Every time there is an ICC tournament around the corner, Australia’s name always comes up as a perennial favourite. But are they really favourites this time around for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? They are already missing their “big 3,” including captain Pat Cummins, but now have been hammered quite superbly against a team that is not even in the ICC Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka, led by Charith Asalanka, have rolled the Aussie 2-0 in the ODI series, ending the bilateral with a stupendous 174-run defeat.
Kusal Mendis, Asalanka decimate Australia
After clinching the first ODI, Sri Lanka dominated Australia in their second tie as well, thanks to a stellar batting performance. Kusal Mendis smashed a century, while captain Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage added a rapid 66 runs for the fifth wicket, helping their team post an impressive 281/5. Asalanka remained unbeaten on 78 off 66 balls. Mendis was quite superb, particularly against spin as he tormented Glenn Maxwell and Zampa.
In response, Australia’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure. Pacer Asith Fernando dismissed the top three batters within the first seven overs, and spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage wreaked havoc on the middle order, restricting Australia’s score. Steve Smith top-scored with a modest 29. Hasaranga and Wellalage combined together to take 7 wickets for just 58 runs.
Biggest defeats by Australia in ODIs (by runs)
| Position | Team | Opposition | Ground | Start Date | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AUS | ENG | Nottingham | 19 Jun 2018 | 242 runs |
| 2 | AUS | NZ | Adelaide | 27 Jan 1986 | 206 runs |
| 3 | AUS | SA | Cape Town | 3 Mar 2006 | 196 runs |
| 4 | AUS | ENG | Lord’s | 27 Sep 2024 | 186 runs |
| 5 | AUS | SL | Colombo | 14 Feb 2025 | 174 runs |
| 6 | AUS | WI | W.A.C.A | 4 Jan 1987 | 164 runs |
Biggest defeats by Australia in ODIs against Asian teams (by runs)
| Position | Team | Opposition | Ground | Start Date | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AUS | SL | Colombo | 14 Feb 2025 | 174 runs |
| 2 | AUS | IND | Chelmsford | 20 Jun 1983 | 118 runs |
| 3 | AUS | IND | Indore | 31 Mar 2001 | 118 runs |
| 4 | AUS | IND | W.A.C.A | 8 Dec 1991 | 107 runs |
| 5 | AUS | IND | Indore | 24 Sep 2023 | 99 runs |
Australia have a lot of things to worry about. Their batting unit looks all over the place. No doubt, they have all the talent in the world but will miss their star pacers in Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood. Captain for the tournament, Steve Smith would need his batting prowess to be at best. Marnus Labuschagne should compliment him, with Travis Head as the opener. Having said that, the bowling unit looks highly inexperienced for playing big matches. In Sri Lanka, the pacers did start well but failed to capitalise in the middle and death overs phase. Similarly, spin can be a thorn in Australia’s flesh in Pakistan. Drawn with the likes of England, South Africa and Afghanistan, Australia would have a tough task going all the way in the Champions Trophy.
Australia squad for ICC Champions Trophy
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly.
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