Australia are facing Sri Lanka in uncertain Lucknow conditions today in the ODI World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss in Lucknow. They got off to a fast start, adding 125 runs in 21.4 overs thanks to the opening duo of Kusal Perera along with Pathum Nissanka.
The first blow was delivered by Pat Cummins when he dismissed Pathum Nissanka who scored 61 from 67 balls. Perera was sent back for 78(82) shortly after. After that, Adam Zampa made Sri Lanka’s problems worse by dismissing Kusal Mendis as well as Sadeera Samarawickrama. They both went back for single-digit scores to help Australia gain momentum.
Additionally, there was a small rain delay in the middle, which was followed by an absolute dominance of the action by Australian bowlers. Mitchell Starc returned to collect two further wickets later in the innings. In addition to Zampa, Glenn Maxwell claimed a single wicket whilst being economical.
Australia were set a target of 210 runs to achieve their first wicket victory at the ODI World Cup 2023. This was a small but tricky total and early wickets can surely get Sri Lanka back into the game. The spinners can have a lot of say on this sort of wickets and there is something under the lights for the pacers as well.
Steve Smith falters in run-chase against Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup 2023
The Sri Lankan team got the early in-roads they were looking for. Dilshan Madushanka bowled a double-wicket maiden in the second over of his spell in the second innings. He removed two formidable batters in the form of David Warner and Steve Smith.
Steve Smith went for a five ball duck which is very unlike him. This surely shifted the momentum back to the Asian Giants. This is Smith’s first ever duck in an ODI World Cup match. This happened in such a crucial match for the Aussies. Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne are still at the crease hoping to get the job done for their side tonight.
Fans react as Steve Smith departs for duck during vital ODI World Cup 2023 encounter against Sri Lanka:
5 ball duck for Steven Smith.
Nothing going right for him in the 2023 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/rj3pvlgSo0
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 16, 2023
I think it’s time for Steve to hang up the boots in white ball cricket. He should stick with Test cricket now! He ha sheen out of form a while. #AUSvSL #CWC23
Sorry to see legend like this! ??? pic.twitter.com/lsFFqTt3dK— Sammy ? (@sammyX39) October 16, 2023
Steve Smith ?? pic.twitter.com/1GrrJ26kd0
— Mr.Yadav? (@Mr_Yadav360) October 16, 2023
Steve Smith wagon wheel this wc pic.twitter.com/EMUCVbP6n7
— Avinash P (@avinashparmar97) October 16, 2023
Steven Smith has been having a challenging time in the 2023 World Cup, including a 5-ball duck. Cricket can be a game of ups and downs, and even the best players can have tough periods. Let's hope he bounces back in the tournament.
— Renu K ? (@Talk2Rinki) October 16, 2023
Madushanka took the big wickets of Warner and Smith in the same over ?
2 overs 2 maidens 2 wickets ?? pic.twitter.com/08lLmmOMCJ
— Tanveer Hassan (@tanveercric56_) October 16, 2023
ye Australia hi ayi hai na World Cup khelne????#AUSvsSL pic.twitter.com/irLMggs9t0
— Cricket Freak (@Cricjunction008) October 16, 2023
Sri Lankan bowling is not threatening except for Theekshana. Madushanka is gaining INTL experience but is not a proper big match player. Australia having bad times and Ricky Ponting crying somewhere
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) October 16, 2023
Get ready for the another Upset ???
— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) October 16, 2023
Game on. Srilanka firing now ????
— Indian Stats & Index (@statsfeed_india) October 16, 2023
