Adam Zampa and the bowlers guided Australia to their first victory in this edition of the World Cup. Adam Zampa took a 4-wicket haul and bowled impeccable lines & lengths in his 8-over spell when he conceded 47 runs and bowled a maiden over. The fifties from Mitch Marsh and Josh Inglis tackled the early scare given by the Sri Lanka bowlers, especially Madushanka as they won by 5 wickets and 14 overs to spare.
Australia and Sri Lanka lock horns on Monday at the Ekana International Stadium in Lucknow. While Australia have been beaten by India and South Africa, Sri Lanka was defeated by South Africa and Pakistan in their opening two games.
Australia lost a review in the first ball of the game and then a couple of fours from the bat of Nissanka to end the first over from Starc and it does seem like the Lankan openers are starting to attack from the word go. Seems like the ball is also coming to the bat nicely. It remains to be seen if they can keep this attack going and score some quick runs to put pressure on the bowlers
Starc almost Mankad’s Perera, warns him twice which is. good for the spirit of the game but not for Australia as the opening duo put on a partnership of 125. Nissanka departs for a well-made 61 off 67 balls with 8 fours his partner Kusal Perera scored a fantastic 78 off 82 balls with 12 fours.
The captain Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa brought Australia back into the game with 4 quick strikes as Sri Lanka lost their top 4 wickets just for 40 runs after the opening partnership.
Adam Zampa and Cummins restricted Sri Lanka to 209
Brilliant comeback from the Australian bowlers especially from Zampa and Cummins as Sri Lanka collapsed from 157 for 1 to 209 all out surely this has to be the collapse of the World Cup Zampa bowled a brilliant line and length on the pitch which assisted spinners he finished with the best figures of 4 for 47 in his 8 overs. and put extreme pressure on the Sri Lankan batters.
Skipper Pat Cummins is also back in form he picked up 2 for 32 in his 7 overs and his fast bowling partner Mitchell Starc too picked up 2 vital wickets he finished with 2 for 43 in his 10 overs. Fast start for Australia the intent is clear: finish this as soon as possible. And to add further that, the over ends with a fantastic flick for six from Warner.
Warner isn’t happy but it is tough luck! David Warner was so frustrated with the decision of Joe Wilson after he was given out LBW! Warner decides to review which shows the umpires call. It’s a dream over for Madushanka as he takes the wicket of Steve Smith. Duck for Steve Smith as the Lankan bowler traps him plumb in front. 2 wickets in the over he again picked up one wicket and finished with 3 for 38 in his 9 overs.
Mitchell Marsh and the middle order take Australia home
First fifty for Australia in this World Cup & it was from Mitchell Marsh. Josh Inglis played a fabulous knock as he scored 58 off 59 balls with 5 fours and six. Maxwell has unleashed his finishing skill as he played a cameo at the end and scored some runs fast by smashing three consecutive boundaries off the best bowler of the day for Sri Lanka and he also hit two back-to-back sixes in Theekshana’s over. he finished with 31 off 21 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Marcus Stoinis came in and joined Maxwell and finished the game with ease he scored 20 off just 10 balls with 2 fours and six to guide Australia to victory. This victory will give immense confidence to Australia as there were questions raised over the team’s performance after losing 2 matches on the trot.