WC 2023: Australia Secures First Win in 2023 ICC ODI World Cup Against Sri Lanka

Varad Bhatkhande

Lucknow, 16th October 2023 – Australia’s cricket team bounced back from a rocky start in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup with a convincing victory against Sri Lanka in the 14th match of the tournament, held at Ekana Sports City in Lucknow. Australia secured their first win of the World Cup with a remarkable performance, beating Sri Lanka by 5 wickets and 88 balls to spare.

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, with a promising start. Openers Pathum Nissanka (61 off 67 balls) and Kusal Perera (78 off 82 balls) provided a solid start before Pat Cummins dismissed cleaned them out. Charith Asalanka contributed 25 runs from 39 balls before falling to Glenn Maxwell’s delivery. However, the Sri Lankan middle order, including captain Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Dunith Wellalage, struggled to make an impact. Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out in the 44th over, managing only 209 runs.

Australia’s Adam Zampa emerged as the star performer with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 47 runs in his 8 overs. Mitchell Starc and Captain Pat Cummins both claimed 2 wickets each, while Glenn Maxwell, known primarily for his batting, chipped in with a crucial wicket. Maxwell’s performance with the ball has been a noteworthy aspect of Australia’s campaign in the World Cup.

Chasing a target of 210 runs, Australia’s opener Mitchell Marsh (52 off 51 balls) made an impactful contribution before being run out by Chamika Karunaratne. Marnus Labuschagne added 40 runs from 60 balls before his dismissal by Dilshan Madushanka, and Josh Inglis scored 58 runs in 59 balls before Dunith Wellalage claimed his wicket. Glenn Maxwell played a pivotal role in finishing the match with an unbeaten 31 runs off 21 balls, ensuring Australia chased down the target in the 36th over.

Sri Lanka’s Dilshan Madushanka stood out in their bowling department, taking 3 wickets for 38 runs in his 9 overs, while Dunith Wellalage managed to secure 1 wicket.

In tomorrow’s 15th ODI of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup, South Africa will take on the Netherlands at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, India.