ISLAMABAD: Australia achieved a resounding innings victory in the opening match of their two-Test series against Sri Lanka at Galle on Saturday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Australia’s top and middle order thrived on a pitch conducive to scoring.
Usman Khawaja notched his maiden Test double century and forged a colossal third-wicket partnership with Steve Smith, who notched his third hundred in just four outings. Meanwhile, Josh Inglis dazzled by blasting the second-fastest century on debut.
The Australian innings culminated in a declaration at a staggering 654-6. In a particularly challenging outing for Sri Lanka, spinner Nishan Peiris recorded the poorest bowling figures for a Sri Lankan in Test history.
When it was their turn to bat, the hosts struggled to mount a substantial resistance. Dinesh Chandimal top-scored with 72 from the No.3 position, but the rest of the lineup faltered, failing to surpass 22 runs, leading to an all-out total of 165.
Matt Kuhnemann shone with the ball, taking 5-63, while Mitchell Starc celebrated a milestone by reaching 700 international wickets.
Forced to follow on, Sri Lanka fared slightly better, finishing their second innings at 230. Although six batters crossed the 30-run mark, none could breach the 50-run barrier, sealing their fate with a loss by an innings and 242 runs.
This victory marked Australia’s 12th win of the current cycle, surpassing England for the most victories in this edition.
Their points percentage (PCT) saw a boost of around two points, yet it wasn’t enough to overtake South Africa at the top of the standings. Conversely, Sri Lanka’s defeat pushed them below England, causing their PCT to drop to 41.66.
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With only one Test left in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship league cycle and the finalists—South Africa and Australia—already determined, the second match of the series has become a mere formality in the broader context of the WTC.
Updated World Test Championship points table after the first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia
| Rank | Team | Tests | Won | Drawn | Lost | Penalty | Points | PCT (%) |
| 1 | South Africa | 12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 100 | 69.44 |
| 2 | Australia | 18 | 12 | 2 | 4 | 10 | 142 | 65.74 |
| 3 | India | 19 | 9 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 114 | 50.00 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | England | 22 | 11 | 1 | 10 | 22 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 12 | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 60 | 41.66 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 3 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 44 | 28.21 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 14 | 5 | 0 | 9 | 13 | 47 | 27.98 |
