India’s dominance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup persists as they claim their seventh consecutive victory by defeating Sri Lanka with a massive 302-run margin.
Sri Lanka faced a historic low in World Cup cricket as they were bowled out for just 55 runs. This marked their worst-ever World Cup total, breaking their previous record of 86 runs set against the West Indies in 1975.
India batted first, amassing 357/8 in 50 overs, with impressive fifties from Virat Kohli (88 off 94 balls), Shubman Gill (92 off 92), and Shreyas Iyer (82 off 56 balls). Sri Lanka struggled in response, getting bowled out for only 55 runs as Indian fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami wreaked havoc. Bumrah took one wicket, Siraj claimed three, and Shami secured his second five-wicket haul of the tournament.
This victory propels India to the top of the points table and secures their spot in the semi-finals. Their next challenge is South Africa at the Gardens on Sunday.
Here’s How India’s Bowlers Dismissed Sri Lanka’s Batsmen:
- Pathum Nissanka was declared out (lbw) by Bumrah’s first ball of the innings, and the umpire’s decision stood even after Sri Lanka’s review.
- Bumrah gave away two wides in the following over, allowing Sri Lanka to score their first runs. However, at the beginning of the next over, Siraj claimed Dimuth Karunaratne, the other opening batsman, also as LBW for no runs.
- Sadeera Samarawickrama, batting at number four, managed to survive for just four balls before he was caught edging Siraj’s delivery to third slip, where Shreyas Iyer took the catch.
- Sri Lanka’s captain, Kusal Mendis, was bowled out for only one run by Siraj, leaving Sri Lanka at a challenging three runs for four wickets in the fourth over.
- Siraj continued his impressive performance, taking three wickets for just five runs in his first four overs. However, Sri Lanka’s troubles persisted.
- Mohammed Shami, who joined the attack in the 10th over, made an impact with his third ball. Charith Asalanka was dismissed for one run, caught by Ravindra Jadeja at backward point.
- The next ball saw Dushan Hemantha become the fourth batsman to be out for a duck, as he edged the ball straight to wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
- Dushmantha Chameera managed to avoid a hat-trick with a solid defensive shot, but it provided little comfort to Sri Lanka as they struggled at 14-6.
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