Lucknow, Oct 16: Injury-hit Sri Lanka, were off to a flier against Australia in the 14th match of the ICC ODI Men's World Cup, here on Monday.
Electing to bat first, Lanka were 197/6 in 38 overs against the Aussies. They might not have begun with a too high run rate, but considering they are without some of their key players, including skipper Dasun Shanaka due to injury, Lankans did well to see off the new ball and play the Aussie bowlers with patience and aggression.
Openers duo Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera put 125-run partnership in 21.3 overs for the first wicket. But then, Nissanka fell to Aussie skipper Pat Cummins for 61, caught brilliantly by David Warner. Kusal Mendis, the skipper in-charge walked into at the fall of first wicket. The two 'Kusal's were busy taking the score-board forward playing every ball on merit.
In the 27th over, Cummins struck again and bowled Kusal Perera (78). Perera hit 12 fours in his 82-ball innings. After his departure, Sadeera Samarawickrama joined the skipper in the middle.
In the very next over, leggie Adam Zampa got captain Mendis out, caught again by Warner. Mendis made only 9 in 12 balls. From 125/1 to 165/3, Lanka lost three quick wickets in a span of 5 to 6 overs.
Sadeera also feel to Zampa, being LBW for 8. Lanka's young star Dunith Wellalage could not replicate his recent heroics, as he was run out by captain Cummins. He left disappinoted scoring only 2 runs in 9 balls.
The island nation cricketers are known for their flamboyance and giant-killing abilities. Despite injuries, they have the ability to upset any side. The Kangaroos, on the other hand, like the Lankans, are in search of their first World Cup match victory in this edition.
Australia have lost to India and South Africa in their first two encounters. Similarly, Sri Lank have been beaten in their first two matches by South Africa and Pakistan.
The playing XI of both sides are as follows:
Australia XI:
Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicket-keeper), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (Captain), Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
Sri Lanka XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper & Captain) , Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara.
