After an upset like Afghanistan win, many expected Sri Lanka to upset Australia. Well, in 1996, when no one anticipated, Sri Lanka won the cup by beating a merciless jaggernaut team of Australia. This time, the great cricketing nation team is struggling to adapt to Indian conditions. They had to face oppositions like India and South Africa, who have been in great form. Australia finally has put up a performance, we expect from them.
Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening partnership has put on 125 runs and gave them a great platform to score 300 plus. On a Lucknow pitch, even 280 would have put Australia under some sort of trouble. But Lucknow saw a stormy bad weather with fast winds and this affected Sri Lanka as well. They collapsed to 209 all-out in 43.3 overs after a 125/0 start. Pathum Nissanka(61) and Kusal Perera(78) only batted well. Australia finally found Adam Zampa coming to the party with 4/47.
In the chase, David Warner showcased his temper after a bad decision. Steven Smith(0) got out to inspired Dilshan Madushanka after Warner. This has put Australia under trouble. Mitchell Marsh(51), Marnus Labuschagne(40), Josh Inglis(58) steadied the ship and saw Australia knocking at the door of a win. Glenn Maxwell(31) and Marcus Stoinis(20) finished the game in a hurry.
Australia won by 5 wickets in 36th over after scoring 215/5. Dilshan Madushanka(3/38) bowled his heart out with little support for Sri Lanka. Australia, still is in 6th place but they found their first win in CWC 2023. Azam Zempa got Player of the Match award for his performance.
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