In a game that was practically a must-win for either team in the 2023 World Cup, Australia overcame a solid opening stand by Sri Lanka to inflict an incredible collapse. The Ekana Stadium, however, took on the appearance of a post-apocalyptic movie scene during the penultimate stage of the Sri Lankan innings on Monday when a dust storm in Lucknow briefly stopped play. Amid the dust storm, spectators scamper for safety after WC hoardings fall onto stands. Scroll down to read Fans Ask Safety After WC Hoardings Fall Amid AUS vs SL Tie.
Fans Ask Safety After WC Hoardings Fall Amid AUS vs SL Tie
The incident took place in the 43rd over of Sri Lanka’s innings after the 1996 champions struggled to pass 200 runs for the loss of nine wickets. On-field umpires were advised to halt the game because the wind in Lucknow had picked up and appeared to be gusting violently.
The Lucknow stadium’s World Cup hoardings and other items tumbled onto the stands as spectators scurried for cover due to the extremely strong winds. Additionally, the camera captured Australian celebrities Glenn Maxwell and Steve Smith watching the tragedy from a distance in utter disbelief. Fortunately, no one in the audience was hurt.
With openers Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka scoring their respective half-centurys en route to a 125-run stand, Sri Lanka got the game off to a fantastic start. Eventually, Australia captain Pat Cummins made the critical breakthrough in the 22nd over when he dismissed Nissanka, and Adam Zampa quickly raced through the lineup with a superb four-wicket haul.
Only the late great Shane Warne leads the Australians with more four-wicket hauls than Zampa’s ten in one-day internationals.
Charith Asalanka attempted to halt the collapse with a valiant 39-ball 25, but he lacked support because no batter could go past the 10-run mark.
In the end, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 209 in 43.3 overs.
Australia vs Sri Lanka Highlights, World Cup 2023
Australia defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets on Monday in Lucknow to earn their first victory of the ongoing 2023 World Cup campaign. Australia easily reached 215/5 in 35.2 overs while chasing 210 thanks to Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis. With the top-order batters being easily outclassed, Marsh’s innings of 52 runs off 51 balls gave his team hope. After arriving, Inglis and Labuschagne accelerated their pursuit (40). Inglis scored 58 points off of 59 shots. With some outstanding boundaries, Glenn Maxwell (31*) and Marcus Stoinis (20*) brought Australia’s pursuit to an end.
