The team under the leadership of Pat Cummins, known for its illustrious history of securing the prestigious ODI World Cup trophy five times, is currently facing an unforeseen situation, having lost both of the two matches they’ve participated in, placing them at the bottom of the points table.
Sri Lanka’s dramatic innings
Lankan captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bat first in the match. Australia burned their review on the very first delivery, and early on, Mitchell Starc warned Kusal Perera for backing up at the non-striker’s end. Despite Australia’s dominating bowling performance, Sri Lanka got off to a strong start, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Perera playing beautifully and building a formidable opening partnership. Both batters reached their respective fifties, amassing a 125-run partnership for the first wicket.
However, Australia’s skipper made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Nissanka for 61, and the wicket of Perera (78 off 82 balls) further revived Australia’s hopes. Adam Zampa‘s brilliance with the ball, taking four wickets for 47 runs, led the Australian fightback. In the end, The Islanders posted 209 runs, with Aussie bowlers, including Starc and Cummins, playing their part to secure a remarkable bowling performance.
Also READ: World Cup 2023: Tabraiz Shamsi offers his perspective on Mitchell Starc’s warning to Kusal Perera on the non-striker’s end
Mitchell Starc’s phenomenal Yorker
On the 41st over’s final delivery, Starc unleashed a devastating yorker curving toward the middle and leg stumps. The ball maintained its brisk pace and precisely hit the perfect spot right at the blockhole.
It proved an insurmountable challenge for Lahiru Kumara, who positioned himself on the leg side of the ball and couldn’t lower his bat in time. The white leather sneaked past beneath his bat, making contact with the base of the stumps.
Here is the video:
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