SL 209 (43.3)
AUS 215/5 (35.2)
Australia won by 5 wkts
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Adam Zampa
According to cricbuzz report, Australia is set to face Pakistan in Bengaluru on the 20th of October, while Sri Lanka will go head-to-head with the Netherlands on the 21st of this month. Both Australia and Pakistan are eager for a win, having suffered losses to India recently. Sri Lanka is also determined to open their account in the tournament, and the Netherlands is looking forward to doing the same.
Pat Cummins, the Australian captain, didn’t dwell on their two losses. He praised the team’s energy on the field and their decent bowling performance. He believed that a score above 300 was competitive. Cummins remained unfazed by external criticism and emphasized that all aspects of their game came together, expressing their desire to maintain this momentum.
Kusal Mendis acknowledged the good batting performance of Nissanka and Perera but admitted that they struggled after that, resulting in a low score. He expressed confidence in his batting unit and praised Madushanka’s excellent bowling, which led to two early wickets. Mendis also highlighted the need to improve their fielding and hoped for Matheesha’s quick recovery.
Adam Zampa, named the Player of the Match, shared his physical challenges due to a back spasm but mentioned that he felt better today and bowled well. He explained that the decision to switch to an off-spinner against left-handed batsmen was the captain’s call, and his back issue played a role in this decision. Zampa reflected on his overall performance and the pressure he faced in the previous game. He expressed his commitment to taking wickets in the middle order and emphasized the importance of maintaining a wicket-taking attitude, even if it means conceding some runs. Looking ahead, Zampa recognized the tough challenge of facing Pakistan in Bangalore.
Historical statistics reveal that Sri Lanka hasn’t beaten Australia in eight matches in the ODI World Cup since the 1996 WC final. This is a remarkable record, with Australia holding the most wins (9) against any opponent in the ODI World Cups.
In summary, the cricketing world is in for some exciting clashes, with teams determined to prove their mettle in the early stages of the World Cup. Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands all have their own aspirations, making the tournament a thrilling spectacle.
Best bowling figures for SL vs AUS in World Cups
3/34 – Chaminda Vaas, Gqeberha 2003
3/38 – Dilshan Madushanka, Lucknow 2023*
3/43 – Aravinda de Silva, Lahore 1996
3/47 – Dilhara Fernando, Centurion 200
Sri Lanka’s bowling today
D Madushanka: 9-2-38-3
Other bowlers: 26.2-0-177-1
Most sixes by a visiting batter in India (across formats)
51 – Glenn Maxwell
49 – Kieron Pollard
48 – Asghar Afghan
48 – AB de Villiers
Glenn Maxwell vs Sri Lanka in WC
102(53), Sydney 2015
46*(25), The Oval 2019
31*(21), Lucknow 2023*
Most matches lost by a team in World Cups
42 – Sri Lanka*
42 – Zimbabwe
35 – West Indies
34 – England