WC 2023: India’s Crushing Win Over Sri Lanka Mirrors Asia Cup 2023 Final Humiliation
Varad Bhatkhande
Mumbai, 2nd November 2023: In a highly anticipated 33rd match of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, India faced off against Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium. The match held a special significance as it marked the unveiling of a statue dedicated to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, right at his home stadium before the game commenced. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had the honour of unveiling the statue in the presence of Sachin Tendulkar and his family.
This encounter was more than just a cricket game; it was a trip down memory lane for many fans. The reason was simple – the final of the 2011 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup. India had triumphed over Sri Lanka, clinching the title with a six-wicket victory in a thrilling match.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first on this occasion. India, led by their captain Rohit Sharma, got off to a shaky start as Sharma was dismissed early. However, young talent Shubhman Gill displayed his prowess with a composed 92 off 92 balls before he fell to Kusal Mendis on a delivery by Dilshan Madushanka. Star batsman Virat Kohli, who has been in great form in the tournament, contributed with 88 runs off 94 balls before being caught by Pathum Nisanka off another Madushanka delivery. Shreyas Iyer added a brisk 82 off 56 balls to the scoreboard before falling to Maheesh Theekshana, courtesy of yet another delivery by Dilshan Madushanka. Madushanka, with his wily deliveries, was the tormentor-in-chief, bagging wickets of all the performing Indian batsmen. India posted a formidable total of 357 runs in their allotted 50 overs while losing eight wickets.
Sri Lanka’s bowler Dilshan Madushanka had a memorable day as he secured a five-wicket haul, though he conceded 80 runs in his 10 overs. Dushmantha Chameera picked up a single wicket for his side.
In response, chasing a challenging target of 358, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled, losing four wickets with just three runs on the board at one point. None of the Sri Lankan batsmen managed to score more than 20 runs, and the entire team was bowled out for a mere 55 runs in the 20th over.
India’s bowling unit, led by Mohammed Shami, ensured that Sri Lanka’s innings came to a swift end. Shami displayed exceptional skills, securing his second five-wicket haul in the 2023 ICC ODI Cricket World Cup. He conceded only 18 runs in his five overs. Mohammed Siraj also impressed with his three wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah contributed with one wicket each.
This victory was a repeat of the previous encounter between India and Sri Lanka, which had culminated in a similarly dominant fashion. In that match, Sri Lanka had been bowled out for 50 runs in the 16th over, resulting in a 10-wicket win for India. Interestingly, this clash took place at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the same venue where Sri Lanka had lost the 2011 World Cup final to India.
With this latest triumph, India surged to the top of the points table with a flawless record, having won all seven of their games in the tournament. In contrast, Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage appear to be dim, as they currently occupy the seventh spot in the points table.
The action continues as the Netherlands is set to face Afghanistan in the 34th ODI of the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, scheduled to be held at Ekana Sports City, Lucknow, tomorrow.
