By: Aditya Ahuja
Australia breathed new life into their World Cup campaign by defeating Sri Lanka at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. This marked Australia’s first win in the 2023 edition, following consecutive losses to India and South Africa.
The Australian bowling attack put on a show as they dismissed Sri Lanka for a mere 209 in under 44 overs, largely thanks to Adam Zampa’s four-wicket haul (4/47).
Openers Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78) scored beautiful half-centuries to provide Sri Lanka with a solid start. At one point, Sri Lanka was 157-1 in 26.1 overs, and it looked like they were all set for a massive total. But then the Australian captain bowled Perera out, initiating a batting collapse.
Chasing a target of 210, the Sri Lankan bowlers started well as they reduced Australia to 24-2 in 4 overs, with opener David Warner getting out for 11, and Steve Smith departing for a five-ball duck. All-rounder Mitchell Marsh then counterattacked and steadied the ship with Marnus Labuschagne.
After Labuschagne’s wicket, Josh Inglis and Mitchell Marsh delivered impressive half-centuries, helping Australia comfortably reach the target with 88 balls to spare, also improving their net run rate.
The 31-year-old off-spinner, Zampa, was adjudged as the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant spell.
This win lifted Australia from the bottom of the standings to the 8th position.
In contrast, Sri Lanka suffered their third consecutive defeat in the tournament.
Final scores: SL 209 all-out (43.3) | AUS 215-5 (35.2)