[Saba Sports News] In the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Australia and Sri Lanka faced off in Match 14 on October 16 in Lucknow. Sri Lanka’s captain, Kusal Mendis, won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision justified by the strong opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka (61 off 67) and Kusal Perera (78 off 82), who added 125 runs for the first wicket.
However, as the game slipped away from Sri Lanka, Australian captain Pat Cummins made a crucial breakthrough. He bowled a short delivery to Nissanka, who pulled it towards deep mid-wicket. David Warner, stationed on the boundary, made a spectacular diving catch, providing Australia with their first breakthrough.
Warner continued his fielding heroics, taking another catch in the same position to dismiss in-form Kusal Mendis. Mendis swept a tossed-up delivery towards deep mid-wicket, and Warner completed a brilliant catch running to his left.
After these key wickets, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse, reaching 199/8 when rain interrupted play, and the match had to be stopped with Sri Lanka on 178/4 after 32.1 overs.
Warner’s contributions weren’t limited to fielding; he was also seen helping the ground staff bring the covers onto the field during the rain delay. Play resumed, but Sri Lanka continued to struggle, ultimately getting bundled out for 209 in 43.3 overs, with Adam Zampa taking 4/47 in 8 overs.