Australia have won their first match at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by five wickets. The record winners of the tournament have had a difficult start to this year’s edition, after being defeated in each of their first two games by South Africa and India.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are yet to earn their first victory, and are second last only on net run rate. They were cruising at 125-0, but lost all of their wickets while scoring only 84 runs to finish with a total of just 209, adding to the low scores that have become common at the 2023 edition of the ICC World Cup.
Australia win first match at ICC World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka
With 88 balls to spare, Australia picked up a comfortable win after their remarkable bowling performance in the first innings. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera put up a strong opening partnership, scoring 61 and 78 respectively to put their country ahead.
But, Pat Cummins was able to dismiss both openers before Adam Zampa joined in and went on to pick up four wickets. The spinner registered a remarkable figure of 4-47 in 8 overs. Mitchell Starc picked up two wickets and Glen Maxwell struck as well, bowling out the Lankans in 43 overs.
Mitchell Marsh scored Australia’s first 50 at the 2023 ICC World Cup, while Josh Inglis scored a half century as well, spearheading the chase. Glen Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis held their own on the field to finish the game comfortably and build momentum for their coming games.
