‘Pakistan main darr ka mahol’ – Fans react to Australia’s win over Sri Lanka by five wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

Sri Lanka continued their horror run in the ODI World Cup 2023 with yet another loss. This was the third loss of the tournament for the 1996 World Champions. Pat Cummins and Australia though got off the mark in fine style. The five-time World Cup winners won by 5 wickets with 14.3 overs left to play.

After Afghanistan’s win over England on Sunday, the Australians were rock bottom of the table. The win on Monday in Lucknow has put their campaign back on track with a positive run-rate.

Pat Cummins lost the toss as Kusal Mendis decided to bat first. The last time the 2023 ODI World Cup was played in this venue, Australia had lost by 134 runs. South Africa had scored over 300 runs to outplay the five-time champs.

Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis power Australia to an easy win

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera began well for Sri Lanka as they had the opposition bowlers under pressure. The pair added 125 runs for the first wicket in just under 22 overs. Nissanka fell for a beautiful 61 which came off 67 balls laden with 8 fours.

Kusal Perera finally found some form as he showed his amazing strokeplay to score 78 runs. The left-hander’s knock came off 82 balls with 12 hits to the fence. Pat Cummins got both the openers in to give Australia the vital breakthrough.

It was then the Adam Zampa show as the leg-spinner went past the Lankan batting order. Zampa ended the day with figures of 4/47 from his 8 overs and picked some key wickets. Apart from Charith Asalanka none of the Sri Lankan batters could manage to cross double figures before being bowled out for 209.

David Warner and Mitchell Marsh added 24 runs in quick time for the first wicket. Dilshan Madushanka then got the key wickets of Warner for 12 and Steve Smith for a duck to turn the tide once again.

Mitchell Marsh though kept going after the Sri Lankan bowlers to score 52 runs. Josh Inglis was the top scorer for Australia with 58 as he scored runs at a brisk pace. The win came thanks to Glenn Maxwell (31*) and Marcus Stoinis (21*). Australia will next play Pakistan on Friday in Bengaluru in yet another must win game.

Here’s how the fans reacted: 

AUSTRALIA ARE OFF THE MARK IN 2023 WORLD CUP….!!!!

A great win for Australia after losing back to back matches, a much needed booster for them. pic.twitter.com/NmLNZR2u3K

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 16, 2023

https://twitter.com/mr_akhtar_17/status/1713949268405576189

https://twitter.com/Guri_Pbks/status/1713949534403903571

https://twitter.com/AnujDeswal013/status/1713949546341118422

That was a strong performance by the Aussies. Still a few issues to solve but a win against Pakistan on Friday and they will be right up there in the mix for a top 4 spot. They haven't played any of Netherlands, Bangladesh and Afghanistan yet.

— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) October 16, 2023

Abhi inko phir se aate ki line main lagna higa pic.twitter.com/ZrmdED1LvA

— Amit Shah (Parody) (@Motabhai012) October 16, 2023

Australia today pic.twitter.com/KOt9hk6ksQ

— RavY* (@Ra__Virat) October 16, 2023

Finally points for them

— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) October 16, 2023