CWC 2023: Zampa and Marsh Shine in Australia’s 5-Wicket Victory Over Sri Lanka
16 October 2023
Australia, led by outstanding performances from Adam Zampa, Josh Inglis, and Mitchell Marsh, revived their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with a commanding five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Lucknow on Monday.
The leg-spinner Adam Zampa was the star with four crucial wickets, restricting Sri Lanka to 209 despite notable half-centuries from Kusal Perera (78) and Pathum Nissanka (61).
Sri Lanka, initially poised for a 300-plus total, suffered a dramatic batting collapse, losing all ten wickets for a mere 84 runs.
In response, Josh Inglis (58), marking his first World Cup half-century, alongside Mitchell Marsh (52) and Marnus Labuschagne (40), led Australia to surpass the target in just 35.2 overs, significantly improving their net run rate.
This victory propelled Australia to the eighth position in the tournament standings, marking their first win of the competition. Conversely, the defeat dimmed Sri Lanka’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals as they now occupy the ninth spot with three losses in as many games.
Dilshan Madushanka (3/38) defended a below-par total, delivering a fiery spell and dismissing key players like David Warner and Steve Smith. Marsh adopted an aggressive approach, reaching his half-century but was dismissed by a sharp throw from Chamika Karunaratne.
Josh Inglis, playing only his second World Cup match, displayed confidence in the middle, forming a substantial partnership with Marnus Labuschagne.
Australia benefited from Adam Zampa’s exceptional bowling performance, a contrast to his earlier struggles in the tournament. Zampa’s form played a pivotal role in dismissing Sri Lanka in just 43.3 overs.
Captain Pat Cummins made crucial contributions by dismissing key Sri Lankan batsmen, shifting the momentum in Australia’s favor. The field also saw interesting moments, including Mitchell Starc’s warnings to Kusal Perera and Perera’s impressive innings despite a head blow from a Marcus Stoinis bouncer.
Apart from the openers and Charith Asalanka, no other Sri Lankan batsman reached double digits.
