In the 14th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia and Sri Lanka clashed in a dramatic encounter at Lucknow, where rain and strong winds played a pivotal role. The action-packed day unfolded with Sri Lanka’s captain, Kusal Mendis, winning the toss and choosing to bat first.
Their innings began with promise as openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera formed a formidable partnership, accumulating 125 runs for the first wicket off 130 deliveries.
However, the tide turned in Australia’s favor when their skipper, Pat Cummins, delivered a short ball that dismissed Nissanka in the 22nd over. Shortly after, Kusal Perera lost his stumps to Cummins, leaving Sri Lanka vulnerable. The situation further deteriorated as Australian spinner Adam Zampa weaved a web around the Sri Lankan batsmen.
Zampa claimed the wickets of Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, and Maheesh Theekshana, ending with impressive figures of 4/47 in eight overs.
In the face of this extraordinary bowling display, Sri Lanka’s promising start transformed into a dramatic collapse, and they were eventually bundled out for 209 in 43.3 overs. Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc also contributed with two wickets each, while Glenn Maxwell secured one wicket, conceding 36 runs in 9.3 overs.
As if the thrilling cricket action wasn’t enough, Mother Nature decided to make her presence felt. Heavy winds swept across Ekana Stadium during the final stages of the innings, even causing hoardings to fall into the crowd.
VIDEO: Hordings fall at Ekana Stadium
Thankfully, no spectators were injured, thanks to the swift response of the ground staff. The spectators were evacuated, and the diligent ground crew promptly cleared debris and prepared the ground for the second innings. The wind also wreaked havoc on several World Cup brandings, tangling and tearing them apart. However, the efficient efforts of the ground staff ensured that these disruptions were swiftly addressed.