
Match 14 unfolded at the picturesque Ekana Sports City in Lucknow, featuring an intense cricket clash between two formidable teams, Australia and Sri Lanka. In a game filled with twists and turns, it was Sri Lanka who won the crucial toss and opted to set the target for the Australians.
The Sri Lankan innings commenced with great promise as their openers, Nissanka and Perera, launched a stellar opening partnership. Together, they amassed an impressive 125 runs on the scoreboard, giving their team a formidable start. However, the cricketing fates took a turn when Nissanka succumbed to the relentless bowling of Pat Cummins. This early dismissal marked the beginning of Sri Lanka’s unfortunate descent.
Australian bowler Adam Zampa emerged as the star of the innings, producing an exceptional spell. His precise bowling claimed four vital wickets, effectively putting the brakes on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. As wickets continued to tumble, Sri Lanka’s momentum crumbled, ultimately resulting in their demise. They were all out after 43.3 overs, posting a total of 209 runs. It was a classic case of a team squandering a brilliant start and ending up in a precarious situation.
Australia began their chase of 209 with high hopes, but they encountered a nightmare scenario in the fourth over. Dilshan Madhushanka bowled a fiery delivery that found D Warner’s leg, resulting in an LBW dismissal. To add to the agony, on the last ball of the same over, Madhushanka sent Smith back to the pavilion without allowing him to contribute a single run. This double blow rocked the Australian side early in their innings.
Nonetheless, Australia found a silver lining through a 50-plus run partnership between Marsh and Labuschagne. The duo exhibited skill and resilience, stabilizing the Australian innings. Just when it seemed like Australia was regaining control, an unfortunate runout brought Marsh’s innings to an unnecessary end. Inglis joined the fray and picked up the pace swiftly. He achieved a significant milestone by scoring a well-deserved half-century.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Australia’s pursuit remained steady. Their well-orchestrated chase was aided by the fact that Sri Lanka’s 209-run target was not insurmountable for the Australian batsmen. In the end, they managed to cross the finish line in 35.2 overs, securing a hard-fought victory. Madhushanka, who had earlier inflicted damage with his fiery bowling, did pick up three crucial wickets, but it wasn’t enough to stop Australia.
The closing stages of the match saw Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis taking charge, guiding Australia to a successful chase. Their composed and calculated partnership ensured that Australia emerged victorious and claimed their rightful place on the points table.
Match 14 at Ekana Sports City had it all – early setbacks, brilliant partnerships, remarkable individual performances, and a thrilling chase. Ultimately, it was Australia who prevailed, capitalizing on their resilience and determination to secure a memorable win over Sri Lanka. This match will undoubtedly be remembered for the way both teams grappled with the highs and lows of cricket, showcasing the unpredictability and excitement that the sport brings to fans around the world.

Match No-14 | ||||
Ekana Sports City, Lucknow | 16 October 2023 | Toss-Sri Lanka | ||
Australia | Sri Lanka | Australia won by 5 Wickets | ||
215/5 (35.2) | 209(43.3) | |||
M Marsh-52(51) J Inglish-58(59) | A Zampa-4/47 | P Nissanka-61(67) K Perera-78(82) | D Madhushanka-3/38 | POM Adam Zampa-4/47 |
ICC MEN’S WORLD CUP POINTS TABLE | ||||||||
Rank | Team | Played | Won | Loss | NR | Points | NRR | |
1 | India | 3 | 3 | 0 | – | 6 | +1.821 | |
2 | Newzealand | 3 | 3 | 0 | – | 6 | +1.604 | |
3 | South Africa | 2 | 2 | 0 | – | 4 | +2.360 | |
4 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | 4 | -0.137 | |
5 | England | 3 | 1 | 2 | – | 2 | -0.084 | |
6 | Afghanistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | – | 2 | -0.652 | |
7 | Bangladesh | 3 | 1 | 2 | – | 2 | -0.699 | |
8 | Australia | 3 | 1 | 2 | – | 2 | -0.734 | |
9 | Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 3 | – | 0 | -1.532 | |
10 | Nederland | 2 | 0 | 2 | – | 0 | -1.800 |