In their third World Cup match against Australia, Sri Lanka fell into a batting disaster after a flying start. After losing the first wicket for 125 runs, the Lankans lost four wickets for 166 runs.
Pathum Nissanka and Kushal Perera, who came in as the openers for Sri Lanka today, played well from the start. Based on this pair, the Lankans took the team’s century in 17 overs.
Meanwhile, Kushal Perera picked up his personal fifty. He scored 57 runs off 57 balls. Which includes 8 fours.
After Kushal Perera, Pathum Nissanka also brought up a personal half-century. He scored 50 runs off 58 balls. Among which there are 6 four strokes.
Nissanka could not take his innings further after picking up his half century. Tat Cummins fell victim to the pavilion.
Another opener Kushal Pererao went back after Nisarkar. Ama Zagano Perera, who scored 78 off 82 balls, returned to the pavilion after falling victim to Patty Cummins.
After Perera, captain Kushal Mendis and Sadira Samarawickrama could not stay long at the crease. Kushal Mendis returned with just 9 runs off 13 balls.
And Sadira Samaravikrama returned with 8 runs off 8 balls. On his departure, the Lankans have lost 4 wickets for 166 runs and are in a batting disaster.
In the current World Cup, no team has won despite playing two matches each. So in today’s match, both teams are desperate to get their first win in the World Cup.
Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kushal Perera, Kushal Mendis (captain), Sadira Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Velalage, Mahish Thikshana, Dilshan Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara.
Australia XI: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Jos Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (captain), Adam Zampa and Josh Hazlewood.
(October 16/NBW)