Mumbai, September 02:
In a dominating performance at the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, India secured a resounding victory over Sri Lanka, defeating them by a massive margin of 302 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.
Mohammed Shami, who made a remarkable return to the playing XI due to Hardik Pandya’s injury, emerged as the star of the match, claiming a remarkable 5-wicket haul for just 18 runs in his 5 overs. Shami’s performance not only helped India bundle out Sri Lanka for a mere 55 runs but also elevated him to the status of the highest wicket-taker for India in World Cups, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s previous record with 45 wickets in just 14 matches.
Additionally, it was an extraordinary display by the Indian pacers, with Mohd Siraj contributing significantly with 3 crucial wickets for just 16 runs. The Sri Lankan team was left struggling at 22/7 after 12 overs, facing a relentless onslaught from the Indian bowling attack.
Notably, this victory brought back memories of the 2023 Asia Cup final, where India had bowled out Sri Lanka for a mere 50 runs. In this match, India managed to restrict Sri Lanka to 55 runs in 19.4 overs, emphasizing their dominance in the contest.
The Sri Lankan batters struggled to apply themselves, with several of them falling victim to wide deliveries that they should have left untouched. Sri Lanka’s lowest all-out total in ODIs, 35, by Zimbabwe (vs SL) and USA (vs Nepal), was looming as a real possibility when they were 29/8. However, thanks to a ninth-wicket partnership between Maheesh Theekshana (12 not out) and Kasun Rajitha (14), Sri Lanka managed to reach a total of 55.
In the first innings, India posted a formidable total of 357/8 in their 50 overs, with Shubman Gill contributing 92 runs, Virat Kohli scoring 88, Shreyas Iyer adding 82, and Ravindra Jadeja making 35 runs.
Overall, it was a remarkable and dominant performance by the Indian cricket team, showcasing their bowling prowess and setting a commanding tone in the ongoing World Cup.
Brief Scores:
- India: 357/8 in 50 overs (Shubman Gill 92, Virat Kohli 88, Shreyas Iyer 82, Ravindra Jadeja 35; Madushanka 5-80)
- Sri Lanka: 55 all out in 19.4 overs (Kasun Rajitha 14; Mohd Shami 5-18, Siraj 3-16)
- India won by 302 runs.
Second-largest win in World Cup history.
India’s bowlers displayed exceptional performance, leaving Sri Lanka with a daunting target of 358 runs. However, Sri Lanka could only manage a meager 55 runs before being bowled out. The Indian bowlers, including Shami with 5 wickets, Siraj with 3, and Bumrah and Jadeja with one each, played a pivotal role in this victory. Notably, five of the Sri Lankan batters ended up with a duck. This resounding victory for India came by a massive margin of 302 runs, making it the second-largest win in World Cup history.
