In a commanding display of cricket, India became the first team to qualify for the semifinals after a resounding victory over Sri Lanka by 302 runs. The match, held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, proved to be a daunting challenge for the Sri Lankan team as they attempted to chase down India’s imposing total of 358 runs.
Sri Lanka’s innings turned into a nightmare reminiscent of their Asia Cup final earlier in the year when they were dismissed for a mere 50 runs. This time, they suffered an even more humiliating defeat, managing only 55 runs in response to India’s imposing score.
Sri Lanka’s Nightmare Start: Early Woes in the Chase
The trouble for Sri Lanka began right from the start as India’s pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammed Shami exploited the conditions with the new ball. Bumrah set the tone by dismissing the in-form Pathum Nissanka for a golden duck, and Siraj followed up by sending Dimuth Karunaratne back to the pavilion. The early dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama further added to Sri Lanka’s woes, leaving them struggling at 7/3.
The Sri Lankan top order continued to falter as Charith Asalanka found it challenging to get off the mark, eventually falling victim to Shami. This early collapse left Sri Lanka reeling at 29/8, dangerously close to the lowest total in ODI history. Thankfully, a few late boundaries prevented a new record, but it was a day to forget for the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Shami’s incredible bowling performance, with figures of 5/1 at one point, earned him the Man of the Match award and made him India’s leading wicket-taker in World Cup competitions.
Sri Lanka had not anticipated such a dramatic collapse, especially given India’s total of 357. While the pitch did offer some assistance to the bowlers, it remained a typical high-scoring track at the Wankhede Stadium.
Shreyas Iyer Shines Amidst Carnage
In the Indian innings, Rohit Sharma fell early, but Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill took charge during the powerplay, both scoring half-centuries. However, they missed out on centuries due to the fine bowling of Dilshan Madushanka. Shreyas Iyer then stepped up to deliver an explosive performance, scoring a quick 82 runs before narrowly missing a century.
While KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav made modest contributions, Ravindra Jadeja’s partnership with Shreyas Iyer helped India surpass the 300-run mark. Shreyas was on track for a century, but Madushanka put a halt to his progress. Nevertheless, Jadeja’s valuable contribution allowed India to reach an impressive total of over 350 runs.
Despite India’s stellar batting performance, the standout feature of the day was the sensational display of pace bowling that ultimately led to a crushing victory over Sri Lanka.
