CWC 2023, Australia vs Sri Lanka: AUS defeat SL by 5 wickets

Australia won their first game of the 2023 ODI World Cup by comfortably defeating Sri Lanka and opening their account. From here, every game is like a final for them as if they lose any game their chances of qualifying in the knockouts will be less.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. Sri Lanka were off to a great start as both the openers scored half centuries accounting to 100 run partnership for the first wicket. Australian skipper Pat Cummins dismissed both the openers as he removed Nissanka for 61(67) and Perera for 78(82).

Adam Zampa then scalped two quick wickets of inform batters, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama for single digit scores which shifted the momentum towards Australia. After that there was a rain delay in between which proved beneficial for the Aussies as their bowlers completely dominated the proceedings.

Apart from Zampa, Mitchell Starc scalped two wickets while Maxwell picked one wicket. Adam Zampa was the standout performer of the Aussies bowling unit as he scalped four important wickets in his spell of 8 overs.

Only the Lankan openers scored fifties rest all the other batters didn’t trouble the scoreboard. From 157/2, the entire batting order was collapsed as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 209.

Chasing a mere total, of 210 Aussies were never in the pressure but Dilshan Madushanka had some other plans. He removed David Warner and Steve Smith early at the start creating a pressure on the Aussies. Marnus Labuschagne then paired up with Mitchell Marsh who played a formidable innings of 52(51) at the top.

The duo completed their 50-run stand, but Mitchell Marsh was dismissed breaking the crucial partnership. Later Josh Inglis joined Labuschagne, and both the batters steadied the partnership. Labuschagne scored 40(60) while Josh Inglis scored a valiant 58(59).

Glenn Maxwell (31*) and Marcus Stoinis (20*) wrapped up the chase for the Aussies with some excellent boundaries and winning the game by five wickets. Australia will play Pakistan next in Bengaluru on 20th of October.

Adam Zampa was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his impressive figures of 8-47-4.