Australia revived their struggling ICC ODI World Cup 2023 campaign with a convincing five-wicket win over Sri Lanka, following two consecutive losses. Chasing Sri Lanka’s modest 209, Australia displayed significant improvement.
Sri Lanka seemed poised for a substantial score with openers Kusal Perera (78) and Pathum Nissanka (61) sharing a strong 125-run partnership. However, inspired bowling from Adam Zampa (4/25), Mitchell Starc (2/43), and Pat Cummins (2/32), supported by sharp fielding, restricted Sri Lanka. Pacer Dilshan Madushanka (3/38) threatened Australia’s chase with a double-wicket maiden that removed David Warner and Steve Smith early. However, half-centuries by Josh Inglis (58) and Mitchell Marsh (52), along with powerful hits by Glenn Maxwell (31*), secured Australia’s first win.
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This victory elevated Australia to eighth place in the World Cup standings, while Sri Lanka continues the hunt for their first win, facing a challenging path to the semi-finals. Australia’s start was turbulent as Madushanka dismissed Warner and Smith with lbw decisions, but Marsh’s aggressive play steadied the innings. He reached a fifty in just 39 balls.
Sri Lanka struck back when Marsh was run out for 52 in the 15th over. Inglis and Labuschagne formed a crucial 77-run partnership before Labuschagne was dismissed. The partnership between Inglis and Maxwell accelerated the chase, securing a convincing win. Sri Lanka lost three crucial wickets towards the end.
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Mitchell Starc used the swinging ball effectively early in Sri Lanka’s innings, and the openers played quality shots. Nissanka and Perera added 33 runs between overs 11-15, targeting leg-spinner Zampa. Perera reached his half-century in the 19th over, with Nissanka following in the 20th.
Sri Lanka’s new captain, Mendis, chose to bat, aiming for a total in the 280-300 range. Australia and Sri Lanka made lineup changes, with Australia retaining the same squad.
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With their first ICC ODI World Cup 2023 win, Australia currently have 63 wins to 35 losses against the Lankans. However, the latter have been competitive in Asia, winning 18 wins and losing the same number of times.
