Winning the toss and electing to bat first can often set the stage for a commanding performance, but for Sri Lanka in this ODI, it heralded a different story. After a shaky start, the pressure mounted, leading to a moment of brilliance from Steve Smith that epitomized Australia‘s dominance and sent shockwaves through the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Steve Smith’s acrobatic act sends Janith Liyanage packing
The dismissal came in the 15th over, with Sri Lanka desperately trying to rebuild their innings. Sean Abbott, bowling a good length delivery wide of off-stump, tempted Janith Liyanage into a loose drive. The ball took a thick edge and flew low towards the slips. Smith, stationed at second slip, reacted in a flash. He bent low, almost parallel to the ground, and plucked the ball inches above the turf with his right hand. The umpires immediately went upstairs to check if the catch was clean, but replays confirmed Smith’s safe hands. It was a textbook slip catch, showcasing his razor-sharp reflexes and impeccable technique.
Liyanage, who had struggled to 11 off 29 balls, trudged back to the pavilion, leaving Sri Lanka in deeper trouble at 55/5. Smith’s catch not only ended a promising partnership but also reinforced his reputation as one of the safest slip fielders in the game.
Here’s the video:
Half the Sri Lankan side: ☝
Smith holds on to a low one to give Abbott his first #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/ap5oAehBMY
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 12, 2025
Also WATCH: Steve Smith’s lightning reflexes send Avishka Fernando packing in the 1st ODI
Sri Lanka’s struggles continue after the powerplay
At the time of writing, Sri Lanka’s innings was in shambles. After 18 overs, they were 86/5, with Charith Asalanka (23*) and Dunith Wellalage (17*) trying to steady the ship. The hosts had lost their top five batters inside the first 15 overs, with Spencer Johnson and Aaron Hardie doing the early damage. Johnson picked up two wickets, including that of opener Pathum Nissanka, while Hardie accounted for Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis.
The Australian bowlers were relentless, exploiting the conditions perfectly. Nathan Ellis, in particular, was economical, conceding just 8 runs in his 4 overs. Abbott, despite being slightly expensive, provided the crucial breakthrough with Liyanage’s wicket, thanks to Smith’s heroics.
Sri Lanka’s innings has been a story of missed opportunities and poor shot selection. The powerplay overs were particularly disastrous, with the team managing just 39 runs while losing four wickets. By the 12th over, they had crawled to 50 runs, but the fall of Liyanage in the 15th over further dented their hopes of posting a competitive total.
Australia in control of the game
With Sri Lanka struggling at 86/5 after 18 overs, Australia are firmly in control of the match. The visitors’ bowlers have been clinical, and their fielding, led by Smith’s stunning catch, has been top-notch. Unless Asalanka and Wellalage can stage a remarkable recovery, Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first could haunt them as the match progresses.
Steve Smith’s catch was not just a moment of individual brilliance but also a testament to Australia’s dominance in the field. As the game unfolds, Sri Lanka will need a miracle to turn the tide in their favour.
Also READ: SL vs AUS 2025, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan & other countries