Australia World Cup Back on Track with Victory Over Sri Lanka

Australia finds their footing at the Cricket World Cup easing their way to a five wicket victory over Sri Lanka. 

Australia came into their third match of the Cricket World Cup with two losses in desperate need of a victory. They found just that as their bowling came alive against Sri Lanka leading the way for the batsmen to chase 210 which they crossed easily finishing on 215-5. 

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As it Happened 

Australia lost the toss for the first time at the World Cup and Sri Lanka opted to bat first in Lucknow looking to take advantage of the swirling conditions and have the upper hand both batting and bowling.  
 
This plan worked for them early on as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera were knocking balls around. The pair made it tough on the early Australian bowlers. The likes of Starc, hazelwood, Maxwell, Zampa, and Cummins were unable to take a wicket until the 22nd over.  
 
It was a Pat Cummins bowl that Nissanka clipped just a little off allowing David Warner to run under it and make the catch. The wicket was refreshing given their early struggles, but the Aussies still had only 1 wicket with 126 runs given up.  
 
Perera stayed strong for the Sri Lankans working himself up to 78 before being bowled out by Pat Cummins. At 157-2, it looked like a big number was coming for Sri Lanka.  
 
That’s when it all started to click for the Aussies. Kusal Mendis managed just nine runs before sending Adam Zampa’s bowl in the direction of David Warner who made a terrific diving catch.  
 
Zampa then ousted Samarawickrama in his next over as he left with just eight. The entire mood of the match had changed in just a few overs with Australia now pressing with all the momentum.  
 
After a short rain delay, Australia got right back to it with Mitchell Starc bowling de Silva Dhananjaya for another wicket.  
 
The floodgates were open, and Sri Lanka could do nothing to close them back up. Some quality bowling and brilliant fielding held Sri Lanka to just 209. After the 125 run opening partnership the Aussies held Sri Lanka to just 84-10 in a clutch display.  
 
After another weather delay before Australia batted, they got to it.  
 
Similarly to their bowling, the bats didn’t start off too hot. 
 
David Warner was ousted at just 11 while the man who took his place, Steven Smith put up a big zero. Mitchell Marsh however fought his way to 52 and got the Aussies on track.  
 
It was then the pairing of Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis who moved the Australians within arm’s reach of the victory.  
 
Labuschagne went for 40 runs while Inglis smacked an ODI career-high of 58. 
 
Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis then took them to the finish line ending on 31 and 21 not out respectively as Australia finished with 215-5.   

Zampa & Co Bowl Brilliantly 

Adam Zampa had been in the news a lot lately thanks to him being the only front-line spinner Australia has and his results being subpar. He certainly found his mojo today bowling 4-47. Cummins and Starc also claimed two wickets each while Maxwell took one as the Australian bowlers came alive when their country needed it most.  
 
They also received a fair bit of help from some outstanding plays in the field by David Warner. 

Aussies are back on Track 

The win is massive for Australia as a defeat would have essentially ended their hopes of advancing to the knockout stage. They are still in a difficult position needing to win likely five of their next six but the victory is a step in the right direction.  
 
If they continue to show the heart that they did today, things are looking up for this Aussie side.  

Australia’s match with Sri Lanka was essentially a must-win. Anything less and they would face a nearly impossible task to make it through the pool stage. Their bowling came alive just in the knick of time to dominate Sri Lanka’s bats and lead the way to Australia’s first World Cup win.