CWC 2023, 14th Match, Australia VS Sri Lanka, Played at BRSABV, Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, India on 16 October
Sri Lanka 209 All Out in 43.3 Overs (Kushal Perera 78, Pithun Nishanka 61, Charith Asalanka 25, Adam Zampa 4/47, Pat Cummins 2/32, Mitchel Starc 2/43)
Australia 215/5 In 35.2 Overs (Josh Englis 58, Mitch Marsh 52, Marnus Labuschagne 40, Glen Maxwell 31*, Marcus Stoinis 20*, Dilshan Madushanka 3/38)
Australia won by 5 Wickets with 88 Balls to Spare
Player of the Match: Adam Zampa
Finally, after three matches Five times Champions Australia could open their account in CWC 2023 with a thumping 5 wickets victory over Sri Lanka at Lucknow on Monday (October 16).
For Sri Lanka its was the third consecutive loss in as many matches almost signaling their early exit from the race to the semifinals. Batting first Lankans were cruising along racing to 125 by 21.4 overs in the first wicket partnership of Kushal Perera (78 in 82 balls) and Pithun Nishanka (61 in 67 deliveries). But with the fall of both openers at 157 (both removed by Pat Cummins) a dramatic collapse ensued. Sri Lankas got all out for 209. Their last 8 wickets could add only 52. Australian bowlers led by Azad Zampa (4/47), Pat Cummins (2/32), Mitch Starc (2/43) for the first time bowled with passions and fielders fielded with intensity. It required Aussies 33.2 Overs to get across the victory target scoring 215/5. Josh Inglis (58), Mitchel Marsh (52, Marnus Labuschagne (40), Glen Maxwell (31*) and Marcus Stoinis (20*) had useful batting practice.
Australia looked completely out sorts losing big their first two matches against formidable India and South Africa in their first two matches. Sri Lanka also lost their two matches against South Africa and Pakistan. Yesterday it was almost do or die for both Australia and Sri Lanka to keep their CWC dream alive. Sri Lanka winning the toss was cruising along with flamboyant Perera and steady Nishanka scoring freely in the opening partnership. Runs were coming thick, and fast as Aussie attack looked innocuous. The opening pair put on 125 in 21.4 overs. Back to the wall Australians bounced back with skipper Pat Cummins striking two successive blows removed both the openers by 157.
A brief rain interruption caused Sri Lankan innings losing momentum. Adam Zampa with his leg spin and cleverly concealed googly ran panic in the Lankan camps. Apart from Kushal Perera (78 in 82 balls) and Pithun Nishanka (61 in 67 deliveries) only resistance came from Charith Asalanka scoring 25. Last 8 wickets added only 52 runs. Penetrative bowling and aggressive fielding Australia well sought after win. Adam Zampa taking 4/47 caused the main damage. Pat Cummins took 2/32 and Mitchel Starc bagged 2/43.
Sri Lankan bowlers made Australian batsmen toil for getting across the small target. On the sluggish wicket it took Australia 35.2 overs registering their first win scoring 215/5. Jos Inglis (58), Mitch Marsh (52) and Manus Labuschagne (40) were main scorers. Glen Maxwell (31*) and Marcus Stoinis (20*) finally took Aussies across the rope. Dilshan Madushanka taking 3/38 was the main wicket taker for the Lankans. With this win Australians were on their way. They still need to iron their all-round game a bit to have a crack at the championship. Their matches against England and New Zealand will be crucial. Pat Cummins announced that all their matches are as good as the final.
BDST: 0909 HRS, OCT 17, 2023
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