(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] In Match 14 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between Australia and Sri Lanka in Lucknow on October 16, rain and strong winds interrupted play during the first innings. Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and choosing to bat, managed 209 runs despite a promising start.
As the innings progressed, heavy winds caused hoardings to fall in the Ekana Stadium, but fortunately, no fans were injured, and ground staff acted swiftly to prevent accidents.
The spectators were evacuated, and the ground was quickly prepared for the second innings.
Several World Cup banners were damaged by the wind but promptly cleared by the ground staff.
In the first innings, Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka (61 off 67) and Kusal Perera (78 off 82), provided a solid foundation with a 125-run partnership for the first wicket.
However, Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, broke through with the wicket of Nissanka. Subsequently, Adam Zampa took control, taking four wickets, including that of Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, and Maheesh Theekshana, finishing with figures of 4/47 in eight overs.
Australia, in their chase, lost two early wickets, finding themselves at 24/2 in four overs. David Warner (11 off 6) and Steve Smith (0 off 5) both fell to Dilshan Madushanka.