After opening the tournament with two defeats, Australia have moved off the bottom of the Cricket World Cup 2023 table following a five wicket win over Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka made a strong start with openers Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78) putting on 125 for the first wicket before the entire side were bundled out over 22 overs for 84 runs. Adam Zampa took 4-47.

Chasing 210 for victory, Australia got a much-needed boost in their net run rate by reaching the target in the 36th over.

Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis led Australia towards their first victory in the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023. 

Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets as Marcus Stoinis slammed the winning six. Sri Lankan bowlers led by Dilshan Madushanka clinched some wickets to keep the chase tight, but didn’t have much to defend. 

Dunith Wellalage dismissed Josh Inglis while Dilshan Madushanka clinched his 3rd wicket to depart Marnus Labuschagne. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis were on crease taking the Australian innings to some final runs. 

Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis played in a responsible partnership to take Australia towards the run chase. Josh Inglis smashed 50 and looked wonderful today under pressure. 

Sri Lanka’s final score was low, but its pacer Dilshan Madushanka made that fightable as he dismissed David Warner and Steve Smith early to bring back Sri Lanka in the game. 

Australian openers David Warner and Mitchell Marsh began their innings on an explosive note after Sri Lanka were all out for 209 in 43.3 overs against Australia in their ICC World Cup match on Monday.

Opting to bat, Sri Lanka were off a great start with openers Pathum Nissanka (61) and Kusal Perera (78) adding 125 runs in 22 overs.

However, their dismissals, in the span of five overs, triggered a collapse from which the Islanders struggled to recover.

The Australian bowlers did well to stage a fine comeback with leg-spinner Adam Zampa showing the way with four wickets in the innings that was briefly interrupted by rain.

There were two wickets apiece for Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

--Agencies