Australia vs Sri Lanka ICC CWC, 2023 Full Scorecard

SIX! BOOM! Marcus Stoinis finishes the game off with a big hit! Floated up, on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis moves leg side and swings through the line. Thumps it down the ground and clears the long on fence with ease. Australia are finally off the mark in the World Cup as they win this encounter by 5 wickets!

Bowls it on a yorker length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis looks to squeeze it out on the off side but ends up jamming it out back to the bowler.

Scores level! Low full toss, on middle and leg, Marcus Stoinis drills it hard and along the ground to long on for one more.

Closer to the off stump, a bit full as well, Glenn Maxwell makes room and slices it without much timing to point for a run.

Angling away, fuller in length, outside off, Marcus Stoinis frees his arms and slaps it down to long off for a single.

WIDE! Dilshan Madushanka takes pace off and bangs it into the wicket. Marcus Stoinis stays still and the ball goes over his head for a wide.

Full and drifting on the pads, Marcus Stoinis clips it off his toes and gets it right between deep square leg and fine leg. Dushan Hemantha runs around to his right and keeps the ball in play with a diving stop.

Sees the batter make room and bang it in short, around middle and leg, Glenn Maxwell reaches out over his head and plays a forehand to deep point for a single.

Length delivery, around off, Glenn Maxwell backs away but hits it straight to mid off.

FOUR! Cut away with ease! Short and slower, outside off, Marcus Stoinis waits on the back foot for the ball to arrive and cuts it wide of the diving point fielder for a boundary.

This is bowled a touch fuller, just outside off, Marcus Stoinis tries to fetch the sweep from outside off but misses as the ball skids onto his pads. An optimistic shout by the bowler but the impact was outside off.

Fired in, at the pads, Marcus Stoinis gets cramped for room as the ball rolls off his pads to short fine leg.

Drops it short, around off, Marcus Stoinis stands tall and punches it from the crease to the right of deep point for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Marcus Stoinis is up and running! Flighted again, a bit full, on off, Marcus Stoinis reaches out in front and nails the sweep by going down on one knee. Hits it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Marcus Stoinis comes out to the midde now.

OUT! TAKEN! Josh Inglis departs but he has done his job! Dunith Wellalage gives the ball air and bowls it slow and away from the batter. Josh Inglis makes room by moving to the leg side and tries to go inside out. He fails to get to the pitch of the ball but still goes through with the shot. Slices it in the air towards point where Maheesh Theekshana completes the catch on the second attempt.

Back of a length this time, outside off, Glenn Maxwell shapes to cut but ends up chopping it on the off side.

On a length, slower and outside off, Glenn Maxwell swings yet again but connects with thin air.

In the air..but safe! Switches to 'round the wicket for the right-hander and bowls it short of a length, outside off, Josh Inglis bends his back and ramps it to third man. Lahiru Kumara stationed there, opts to save the boundary and does not go for the catch. Dilshan Madushanka isn't impressed with the effort and lets Kumara know with a stare.

This is bowled back of a length, over middle, Glenn Maxwell sets himself up again and goes for a mighty heave. Mistimes his shot to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Follows the batter, on a length, Glenn Maxwell shapes to swing across the line but aborts his shot and wears it on the front pad.

Back of a length, just outside off, Josh Inglis stands tall and punches it through covers for a single.

Drinks! Glenn Maxwell is trying to score at a quick rate as he knows that the quicker they finish the job, it will have a positive impact on their NRR. The result here is now pretty much inevitable and Sri Lanka are starring down the barrel of the third straight defeat here.

SIX! Glenn Maxwell is in a hurry here! Offers flight, full and on off, Glenn Maxwell gets down and sweeps it fine this time. Hits it in the air but in the vacant deep backward square leg region for six more runs.

Fired in, fuller and around off, Glenn Maxwell keeps it out back to the bowler.

Loses his grip and serves a waist-high full toss, around off, Glenn Maxwell moves across to access the leg side but misses as he gets into an awkward position and wears it near the waist. Maheesh Theekshana looked interested but Kusal Mendis did not.

SIX! BANG! Glenn Maxwell goes huge now! Gives the ball air but bowls it in the arc, on middle, Glenn Maxwell winds up and smokes it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Tossed up, on middle, Josh Inglis knocks it down to long on for a single.

Floated up, on off, Josh Inglis goes for the drive but toe-ends it towards short third man.

FOUR! Short and dispatched! Madushanka drags the length back and bowls it into the wicket, on middle, Glenn Maxwell gets into a good position and pulls it over mid-wicket for the third boundary of the over.

FOUR! Powered down the ground! Bowls it with a scrambled seam, on a length, on off and middle, Glenn Maxwell gets his front leg out of the way and swings through the line. Thumps it over the bowler towards the long on fence for four more runs.

Quick bumper, at the batter by Dilshan Madushanka, Glenn Maxwell wanted to pull but sways away and lets the ball go.

FOUR! Sloppy! Bends his back and bangs it in short, over middle, Glenn Maxwell clears his front leg and goes for the pull Swings his bat early and gets a top edge that over the keeper and rolls towards third man. Lahiru Kumara there, fails to read the spin and makes a meal of it.

Good footwork! Tries to go full but ends up bowling a low full toss, on middle, Glenn Maxwell drives with a straight bat. Dilshan Madushanka sticks out his left boot and parries the ball to mid off.

Bowls it on a back of a length, over off, Josh Inglis gets on top of the bounce and pats it past the diving point fielder for a single.

Oh..close! Maheesh Theekshana with another quick delivery, short and on middle, Glenn Maxwell goes down to pull it but gets an inside edge past the stumps towards short fine leg.

FOUR! A streaky one though! Maheesh Theekshana bowls this quicker, short and outside off, Glenn Maxwell slashes hard at it but gets an outside edge as the ball races past short third man for a boundary.

Flighted, full and on middle, Glenn Maxwell prods forward and blocks it out.

fuller on the leg and middle, Glenn Maxwell looks for a drive from left of mid-wicket but great dive from the fielder and saves cuple of runs for the team.

Flatter, short and outside off, Josh Inglis backs away and punches it through covers for a single.

Flater and shorter, on off, Josh Inglis blocks the ball back to Maheesh Theekshana.

Dilshan Madushanka welcomes Glenn Maxwell with a good bouncer, on middle, and leg, Maxi ducks under it.

Glenn Maxwell comes in at number 6.

OUT! TAKEN! Dilshan Madushanka strikes again! He seems to be the only one who is giving his all for the Lankans here. This is banged onto the pitch, on off, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne looks for the pull but gets hurried and fails to get on top of the bounce, As a result, he mistimes it badly in the air and straight into the hands of Chamika Karunaratne at short mid-wicket who makes no mistake. Australia four down now but still in the driving seat!

In the air..safe! Dilshan Madushanka bowls a slower delivery, full and on off, Josh Inglis slices it in the air but the ball lands wide of deep point. They cross.

Fuller one now, around off, Josh Inglis defends the ball to mid on.

Fuller one and around leg, Josh Inglis tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and angled away, on off, Josh Inglis shapes to punch it through the off side but the ball skids through. He ends up getting a bottom edge as the ball rolls behind to the keeper.

Short ball pitched on the off, angling it outside the off-stump, but the ball didn't carry the bounce and Marnus Labuschagne looks shocked, he didn't connect the ball and it went to keeper.

Looped ball, fuller on middle, Marnus Labuschagne opens the bat face and places the ball to backward point. Marnus Labuschagne wanted to take a single but call of no from the non-striker.

Shortish and on off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and punches it towards covers.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Dunith Wellalage gives this one some more air, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne goes down on one and knee and drags his sweep shot towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards short covers.

Overpitched the ball outside off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes the ball to point.

Short of a length and on middle, angling in, Josh Inglis keeps it out back to the bowler.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR INGLIS! He is justifying his selection with a fine knock here and Australia will be really happy with this effort. Lahiru Kumara serves this full and on off, Josh Inglis leans on nicely and shows the full face of the bat to drive it sweetly past mid off for a boundary.

Pitches this one up and around off, Josh Inglis looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge towards mid on.

Fuller one again on the middle and off, Josh Inglis drives straight to hands of cover but he threw the ball non-striker's end but the ball didn't hit the wicket and no cover was there, Australia got couple of bonus runs from the overthrow.

Touch fuller, on off, angling in, Josh Inglis looks to push it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side.

Back of a length on off, Marnus Labuschagne taps the ball to his offside and takes a quick single, good running between the wicket.

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

This is bowled full, around off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it off the front foot but straight to short extra cover.

Quicker, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne stays back and taps it to the off side as Kusal Mendis runs to his right and dives to gather it up.

Floated up, on the pads, Josh Inglis gets on the front foot and clips it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Short and around off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Flatter delivery, short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne rocks on the back foot and extends his arms to punch it past the diving extra cover fielder for a couple of runs.

SIX! BANG! This one goes into the stands! Lahiru Kumara bangs this one short and around middle, Josh Inglis picks up the length early and gets into a good position to hammer it over the deep square leg fence for a biggie.

Short ball, straight at the shoulders of Josh Inglis, he pulls the ball just left of the fielder standing at fine leg. Australia got a couple of runs because the fielder fumbled a little bit.

Lahiru Kumara lands this on a hard length and around off, Josh Inglis gets on top of it and punches it wide of sweeper covers for a brace.

FOUR! Cheeky but effective! Lahiru Kumara lands this short of a length and around off, Josh Inglis sways away from it a bit and then ramps it nicely towards the third man fence for a boundary.

Back of a length and on off, Josh Inglis dabs it towards point.

Back of a length placed around off, Josh Inglis stays on his stance and drives to cover.

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne turns it to short mid-wicket.

Fuller this time on middle, Josh Inglis flicks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Pushed through quicker, on off, straightens a bit, Josh Inglis looks to play it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shortens the ball on leg, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Just wide! Almost a wicket for Sri Lanka! This is floated, full and around leg, Josh Inglis goes down and looks to paddle it away, Kusal Mendis reads it early and moves to his left as the ball lobs just past the outstretched left hand of Mendis and towards wide of fine leg. Three runs taken.

Fuller and flighted on middle and off, Josh Inglis camps back and drives back to Dhananjaya de Silva.

On a length and around off, Josh Inglis pushes it through covers for one.

Chamika Karunaratne bangs in a bouncer now, but too high, on middle, Josh Inglis sways away from it. It is called a wide for height.

Length ball again on middle and off, Josh Inglis stood back and sweeps the ball to the deep square leg region for a single.

Short of a length and around off, Josh Inglis opens the face and guides it towards third man for a run.

Short ball pitched above middle, Josh Inglis pulls it away, the ball was in the air but drops in the gap of deep mid-wicket and deep square leg, a couple of runs taken.

Back of a length and around off, Josh Inglis dabs it towards point.

Good-length ball pitched on middle, Marnus Labuschagne covers the wicket and tucks the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Another short delivery, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne cuts it towards deep point for one.

Flighted, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne turns it to the leg side.

Goes short again and around off, Josh Inglis punches it off the back foot through covers for a run.

Just wide! This is tossed up, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it uppishly but wide of short mid-wicket. They cross.

Fires this one short and outside off, angling away, Marnus Labuschagne backs away to cut it but fails to reach it.

Dhananjaya de Silva starts with a short delivery, on off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back and clips it towards short mid-wicket.

Back of a length and on off, Josh Inglis chops it down to the off side.

Short of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pats it down in front of square leg for a run.

Pitched and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out solidly down the pitch.

On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it wide of short mid-wicket.

Chamika Karunaratne bangs in a bouncer but way down the leg side, Marnus Labuschagne lets it go to the keeper where Kusal Mendis takes it over his head. Wided.

Goes fuller this time, on middle, Josh Inglis works it wide of mid on for a single.

This is on a hard length and around middle, Josh Inglis looks to flick it away but misses and gets hit high on the pads as the ball goes nowhere.

Shorter and a bit slower, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne helps it off his pads but finds short fine leg.

Slanting in, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne turns this one away off the front foot to short fine leg.

A bit too full, on the pads, Josh Inglis flicks it through square leg for a run.

Floated up again, on off, Marnus Labuschagne lunges forward and hits it along the ground to long off for one more run.

Serves it around leg and short as well, Josh Inglis nurdles it off his pads to deep square leg for a run.

Tosses it up, full and on middle, Josh Inglis gets on the front foot to defend but gets beaten in the flight. Ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads.

Drop and run! This is bowled on a back of a length, just outside off, Josh Inglis plays it with soft hands in front of point and calls Marnus Labuschagne through for a quick single.

Much better! Delivers it fuller in length, on middle, Josh Inglis gets behind the line and bunts it down to mid on.

FOUR! Too short and rightfully punished! Chamika Karunaratne goes a bit too short and offers width outside off, Josh Inglis gets on top of the bounce as he rises and cuts it over point for a boundary.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls it on a length, on off, Josh Inglis tucks it from the crease to mid-wicket.

In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Josh Inglis gets on his toes and pats it in front of short extra cover.

Starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off, Josh Inglis goes for the pull but the ball skids on and goes under his bat.

Well bowled! Gives the ball more air and slows it up as well, around off, Josh Inglis gets into his shot early but checks his shot and steers it to short third man for a single.

100 up for Australia! Pulls the length back a bit and bowls it on off, Marnus Labuschagne opens the face of his bat and works it square on the off side for a single.

Tossed up yet again, on off, Marnus Labuschagne drills this fullish delivery straight to short extra cover.

Offers flight, full and on off and middle, Josh Inglis reaches out in front and pushes it down to long off for a single.

Darts this one in, a bit quicker, on middle, Josh Inglis gets behind the line and defends it to mid-wicket.

Looped up, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne makes room and eases it down to long off for a single.

Serves it full now, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne goes back to a full delivery and drops it in square on the off side for one more.

A bit too straight, short and on the pads, Josh Inglis tucks it through mid-wicket. The initial call is for two but has to settle for a single.

Flatter trajectory, short and just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne gets hurried but still manages to push it in front of cover for a run.

Another delivery that turns back in, short and around off, Josh Inglis waits on the back foot and knocks it down to long on for a run.

Turning in, short and on off, Josh Inglis goes back and plays it back to the bowler.

Fullish delivery, on the toes, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it in front of mid-wicket for a single.

A drag down, around off, Josh Inglis goes back to force it through the off side but mistimes it towards cover where the fielder gets his body behind the ball and makes a good stop.

Pulls the length back and bowls it on middle, Josh Inglis nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

Darted in, full and on the off stump, Josh Inglis gets forward and looks to play at it. The ball grips in the surface and Inglis gets an outside edge that rolls to the right of first slip for two runs more.

Slower through the air, on middle, angling in, Josh Inglis prods forward and knocks it down the pitch.

Tossed up, full and on off, Josh Inglis defends it towards short covers.

Floated, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne uses his feet and drives it towards long off for a single.

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, angling in, Josh Inglis stays back and blocks it out to the off side.

FOUR! Sloppy all around! Maheesh Theekshana errs in length and serves a low full toss, on off, Josh Inglis drives it firmly to mid off where the fielder fumbles and lets the ball go through his legs for four more runs.

FOUR! Edgy but Josh Inglis is off the mark! Pushed through, fuller and on off, Josh Inglis goes on the back foot to play a full delivery. The ball skids on and gets an outside edge that goes past the right of first slip for a boundary.

Drinks! Mitchell Marsh was going really good but he has thrown his wicket away here and will be disappointed not to finish the job for his team. However, his knock has put the Aussies in a commanding position and one partnership here will take them over the line. Sri Lanka will hope that they can do what Australia did to them and force a collapse but it will be a really tough task. Also, Josh Inglis is the next man in.

OUT! RUN OUT! A suicidal call for a second run has cost Mitchell Marsh his wicket here. Maheesh bowls almost a half-tracker, outside off, Mitchell Marsh moves to the leg side and drills it hard towards deep cover-point. He times it too well but still decides to come back for the second run. Chamika Karunaratne in the deep, sprints across to his left and picks the ball up cleanly. Fires a powerful and accurate throw to the batting end. Kusal Mendis collects the ball in front of the stumps, not a good technique but still catches Marsh short of the crease. Sri Lanka get the breakthrough they were after!

Is that a run-out? Mitchell Marsh takes the risk of the second run and this one looks really close. The replay shows that he is well outside the creases and will have to make that long walk now.

Full and on the stumps, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and dead bats the ball back to the bowler.

Serves it short, around off, Marnus Labuschagne steers it with an open bat face to cover for a single.

Keeps it short, slower, on middle, Mitchell Marsh tucks it from the crease to mid-wicket.

Short and sliding on the pads, Mitchell Marsh camps back but misses the tuck. A stifled appeal for LBW but the ball was heading down leg.

Drifts on the pads, full in length, Marnus Labuschagne works it in front of square on the leg side for a single. .

Angles it in, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it off the front foot.

A bit short, on middle, Mitchell Marsh steps out and eases it down to long off for a run.

Bowls it short and slower, on off, Marnus Labuschagne adjusts well and punches it off the back foot to long off for a single.

Goes back to bowling full, on middle, blocked out off the front foot.

Tosses it up, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh gets on the front foot and stabs it towards extra cover.

Almost sneaked through! Short and darted in, on off, Mitchell Marsh tries to force it through the off side but the ball skids on and he chops it back onto his pads.

Hurls it in full, on middle again, Mitchell Marsh presents the full face of the bat and defends it out down the wicket.

Pushd through, on middle, Mitchell Marsh gets behind the line solidly and blocks it on the off side.

Short and a bit of turn in, on off, Marnus Labuschagne goes deep in his crease and pushes it to deep cover for a run.

Angles it in, full and on middle, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and keeps it out on the off side.

Well bowled! Slows it up and bowls it short, outside off, Mitchell Marsh opens the bat face to guide it fine but the ball spins away and beats him on the outside edge.

This is bowled short, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne stands tall and punches it through covers for a single.

FIFTY for Mitchell Marsh! Maiden World Cup fifty and it came when his team needed it most. Short again, outside off, Mitchell Marsh hangs back and slaps it along the ground to deep point for a single.

Lands it short again, on the off stump line, Mitchell Marsh goes on the back foot and makes room as well. Drills it hard and wide of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Loops it up nicely, short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne is half-forward and plays it with the turn to deep point for a single.

Bowls the off break, short and outside off, Marnus Labuschagne gets on top of the bounce and dabs it in front of square on the off side for a single.

Short and wide outside off, the ball keeps a tad low but Marnus Labuschagne still manages to cut, only to pick out point.

Continues to bowl it flatter and shorter, on middle, Mitchell Marsh punches it off the back foot to long on for a run.

Quicker through the air, short and on off, Marnus Labuschagne looks to turn it away on the leg side. Gets a soft leading edge towards cover for a single.

Short and just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne waits on the back foot and whips it past mid-wicket. Places it the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a couple of runs.

Drops it short and turning away, outside off, Mitchell Marsh rocks on the back foot and cuts it aerirally towards deep point for a single.

Powerplay 2! Sri Lanka can now have 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over.

Another full delivery, on off, Marnus Labuschagne defends it on the front foot.

Pitched up and on off, Mitchell Marsh knocks it towards mid off for one.

Run out chance...missed! This is short of a length and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drops it wide of backward point and calls for the run, but stops for a bit and then continues running, the fielder has a shy at the bowler's end as Marnus puts in a desperate dive in. The replay shows that if it was a direct hit, he would have been a goner.

Dilshan Madushanka bangs in a bouncer now, on middle, takes off a bit after hitting the deck, Marnus Labuschagne lets the ball go over his head and then completes his pull shot for fun.

Back of a length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne keeps it out to the off side.

BEATEN! This is on a good length and just around off, angling away, Marnus Labuschagne looks to fend it away but gets beaten on the outside edge.

FOUR! Third boundary of the over! 12 runs off it! Dunith Wellalage is not learning from the previous balls as he once again bowls this short, on middle, Mitchell Marsh moves back and pulls it towards the vacant deep mid-wicket fence for four more runs.

FOUR! SHORT AND PUNISHED! Dunith Wellalage lands this short again and outside off, Mitchell Marsh says thank you very much and carves it through cover-point for another boundary.

Floated, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh prods forward and defends it on the front foot.

FOUR! Up and over! Dunith Wellalage drags his length back, on middle, turns away too, Mitchell Marsh rocks back quickly and slaps it over and wide of mid on for a boundary.

Short again and on off again, Mitchell Marsh moves back and punches it straight towards covers.

Flatter, short and around off, Mitchell Marsh dabs it towards point and calls for the run but is sent back.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Dilshan Madushanka serves this full once more but on the leg stump line, Marnus Labuschagne uses his wrists well and flicks it towards the vacant deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.

Length again and outside off, angling away, Marnus Labuschagne offers no shot at it.

This is on a good length, on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh looks to play at it but gets an inside edge towards backward square leg. They cross.

Touch fuller and around leg, Mitchell Marsh tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Dilshan Madushanka bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on leg, Mitchell Marsh gets a bit surprised by it and lets it go the keeper.

Full and on off, angling away, Mitchell Marsh goes for the big drive but gets an inside edge just past the stumps as the fielder at short fine leg makes a good stop.

Short again, on off, Mitchell Marsh moves back and punches it towards long off for another run.

Goes short and and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a run.

Pushed through quicker, full and on middle, angling in, Marnus Labuschagne keeps it out to the leg side.

Angles this one in, on middle, skids through, Marnus Labuschagne blocks it out.

Tossed up, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it wide of the bowler where Dunith Wellalage dives to his left to make a brilliant one-handed stop.

Dunith Wellalage begins with a flatter delivery, full and on off, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and drills it towards long off for a single.

A change in bowling as Dunith Wellalage comes on to bowl, replacing Lahiru Kumara.

Dilshan Madushanka goes back to his fuller length, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne flicks it a bit riskily off his pads towards wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second run. Good running!

This is on a good length and around off again, angling away, Marnus Labuschagne lets it go to the keeper.

Full again and around off, Mitchell Marsh drives it off the toe-end towards extra covers where a fumble allows the single.

Dilshan Madushanka serves this right in the blockhole, on middle, shaping in again, Mitchell Marsh uses his feet and digs it out to the off side.

Goes fuller and on leg, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

FOUR! Mitchell Marsh continues to find the boundaries here! Dilshan Madushanka lands this back of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh frees his arms a bit and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Is that another wicket for Sri Lanka? The umpire thinks so, but Marnus Labuschagne takes the review. Lahiru Kumara lands this on a good length, angling down the leg side, Marnus Labuschagne looks to glance it away but misses as the ball goes off his thigh pads behind where Kusal Mendis dives to his left and completes the catch. However, UltraEdge confirms that it is the thigh pad. A good review from Australia!

Back of a length and on off, Mitchell Marsh drops it wide of short covers for a quick single.

FOUR! Fine shot! Lahiru Kumara serves this a bit too full, on off, Mitchell Marsh leans onto his drive nicely and creams it wide of mid off for a boundary

Goes a bit fuller this time, on off, Mitchell Marsh drills it wide of deep point for a brace.

Short of a length and around off, Mitchell Marsh looks to cut but gets an bottom edge onto his pads and not far from the stumps as the ball rolls behind.

FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Back of a length, outside off, Mitchell Marsh stands tall and extends his arms. Slaps it along the ground and gets it past point for a boundary.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat with Australia in some early trouble. Also, Lahiru Kumara comes back into the attack.

OUT! PLUMB IN FRONT! Dilshan Madushanka with the double whammy here! He has changed this game around again with a double-wicket maiden over. Two big fishes, David Warner and Steven Smith are back in the hut now. Madushanka continues with his fuller length, on middle, goes on with the angle this time, Steven Smith gets stuck in his crease as he tries to work it away but misses it completely and gets hit on the pads right in front of the stumps. Another huge appeal for LBW, and the finger goes up again, Smith has a chat with Marsh but decides against the review. Australia are two down now!

Overpitched and on off, Steven Smith drives it straight to short covers again.

Full again, on off, Steven Smith pushes it towards short covers.

Oh..nice bowling! Dilshan Madushanka serves this a bit fuller and on middle, shaping away, Steven Smith gets squared up as it goes off the leading edge along the ground towards point.

Another shout for LBW, but turned down this time! This is on a hard length and around middle, Steven Smith looks to flick but misses and gets hit high on the pads. This one is going a bit too high.

Steven Smith walks in at number 3 for Australia.

OUT! LBW! Dilshan Madushanka draws first blood! He lands this on a good length and around middle, keeps low and angles down a bit, David Warner hops up to flick it away but misses due to the lack of bounce and gets hit on the pads, below the knee roll. There is a huge appeal for LBW, and up goes the finger after some thinking by the umpire. Warner takes the review straight away. UltraEdge shows no bat involved but Ball Tracking indicates that it's the umpire's call on hitting the wickets. Warner is not at all happy, he is fuming on his way back to the pavilion. The on-field call of Out remains but Australia keep their review.

Slightly shorter, on middle, Mitchell Marsh defends it on the back foot.

Tossed up, full and no middle, tuning in, Mitchell Marsh pushes it back to the bowler.

FOUR! A poor delivery and rightly punished! Maheesh Theekshana drags his length back again, outside off, Mitchell Marsh once again rocks back and cuts it hard and through point for another boundary.

Fires this one full and around off, Mitchell Marsh steers it towards point.

FOUR! Mitchell Marsh finds the fence now! Maheesh Theekshana lands this short and around off, Mitchell Marsh moves back quickly and punches it sweetly beating the dive of the extra cover fielder for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana starts with a floated delivery, full and on off, David Warner uses his feet and eases it towards long off for a single.

Dilshan Madushanka starts with a maiden over! He lands this on a hard length and around off, shaping away, Mitchell Marsh has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Overpitched and on off, Mitchell Marsh looks to drive it away but it goes of the inner half towards mid on. Five dots in a row now!

Back of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh looks to cut it away but mistimes it towards covers.

Full again and around off, Mitchell Marsh taps it towards point.

Goes fuller this time, on middle, Mitchell Marsh blocks it out down the pitch.

Dilshan Madushanka begins with a good-length delivery, on middle, shaping in, Mitchell Marsh keeps it out towards short covers.

It will be Dilshan Madushanka to steam in from the other end.

SIX! Oh..Wow! David Warner goes huge now! 15 runs off the first over! Lahiru Kumara serves this full again and on leg, anging in, David Warner goes down on one knee and absolutely whips it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Good running again! This is pitched up and on middle, David Warner nudges it past square leg for a couple of more runs. The throw should have been better from the fielder there to put more pressure on Warner.

Lahiru Kumara bangs this on short and on middle and leg, David Warner goes for the pull shot but mistimes it a bit well wide of deep square leg and comes back for the second run. The intent is clear from the Aussie openers.

This is on a good length and around leg this time, David Warner tucks it towards square leg.

Back of a length and outside off, Mitchell Marsh looks to cut it away but chops it onto his pads as the ball rolls to the leg side, the batters scampers across for a single.

FOUR! Mitchell Marsh and Australia are underway in some style! Lahiru Kumara starts with a full delivery around off, Mitchell Marsh presents the full face of the bat and lofts it nicely over mid off for a boundary.

OUT! TAKEN! Glenn Maxwell finishes things off for Australia! He tosses this one up, full and around middle, turns away a bit, Charith Asalanka goes down on one knee for the slog sweep but the spin makes the ball take the top edge and the ball flies in the air in front of long on. Marnus Labuschagne runs forward, settles under it and pouches it safely. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 209!

The wind seems to have slowed and things have returned to normalcy. Australia will want to get the last wicket quickly.

Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka uses his feet and chips it over extra covers for a couple of runs.

Short and on middle, Charith Asalanka flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket but refuses the run.

Back of a length and around off, Dilshan Madushanka gets on top to and stabs it towards point.

Mitchell Starc continues with his fuller length, on middle, angling in again, Dilshan Madushanka once again manages to defend it out down the pitch. He still has one delivery to survive in this over.

Oh, no! The batters are having difficulty seeing the ball due to the dust that is blowing with the wind and have a chat with the umpires. The game is halted for now.

Mitchell Starc bangs in a bouncer at 144 clicks but down the leg sid, Dilshan Madushanka manages to get away from the line of it. Wided.

Another full delivery, on middle, angling in, Dilshan Madushanka gets hit bat down in time and keeps it out to the leg side.

Pitched up, on off, angling in, Dilshan Madushanka steers it towards point.

Fuller one and around off, Charith Asalanka drives it wide of extra covers where the fielder dives to his left to stop it. They cross.

Short of a length and on middle, Charith Asalanka looks to pull it away but toe-ends it down pitch and towards mid on.

Flighted, full and on middle, Dilshan Madushanka turns it to the leg side.

Floated, full and on off, Charith Asalanka drops it wide of short covers for a single.

TURN AND BOUNCE! Glenn Maxwell bowls this quick again, on off, grips and turns away with extra bounce, Charith Asalanka gets opened up a bit as he misses out on his push.

Quicker, short and outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to cut it away but misses.

Flatter, short and around off, Charith Asalanka taps it towards point.

Fires in a yorker now, on middle, Charith Asalanka digs it out to the bowler.

Uh oh! All of a sudden, the wind has picked up.

A low full toss, on off, angling in, Dilshan Madushanka manages to get some bat on it as the ball rolls towards deep point.

OUT! TIMBER! Starc doing Starc things! Dishes out a searing yorker, on middle and leg, Lahiru Kumara exposes all his stumps and looks to keep this one out. The ball tails back in sharply and Lahiru fails to get his bat down in time and sees his woodwork rattled. Mitchell Starc has his second wicket and Sri Lanka are now 9 down. Dilshan Madushanka is the last man in.

Quick bumper, on middle, Lahiru Kumara sways away quickly and lets the ball go to the keeper.

Full and straight, at the stumps, Lahiru Kumara gives himself room and somehow manages to dig this one out back to the bowler.

FOUR! Streaky but crucial runs these for Sri Lanka! Tries to angle it back in, on a length, on the leg stump line, Lahiru Kumara exposes all his stumps and clears his front leg to swing across the line. Luckily for him, he gets an inside edge that races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

On the fifth stump line, on a good length, Charith Asalanka looks to defend it with a straight bat. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to third man for a single. 200 up for Sri Lanka!

Powerplay 3! Australia can have five fielders outside the inner ring, but they will want to put more pressure on the batters by closing in the field. They will hope to wrap up the innings quickly now.

Quicker through the air, short and outside off, Lahiru Kumara watches the ball all the way through and lets it go.

Fuller and turning in, on middle, Lahiru Kumara works it off the front foot to mid-wicket.

Looped up, on middle, Lahiru Kumara knocks it along the ground to mid off.

Serves another googly, short and on off, Lahiru Kumara reads it well and stands tall to pat it back to the bowler.

Lahiru Kumara comes out to the middle.

OUT! LBW! Another googly, another wicket! Sri Lankan batters have no answers to Adam Zampa here. He flights this one up and around middle, lands and turns in sharply, Maheesh Theekshana gets stuck in his crease and plays completely down the wrong line to get hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW, the umpire takes his time and then raises the finger. Maheesh Theekshana has a chat with his partner and takes the review. The replay shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates three reds. Sri Lanka lose Theekshana as well as the review!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood ends the over with another good bumper, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana once again ducks underneath it.

Length again but down the leg side this time, Maheesh Theekshana leaves it alone. It is called a wide.

Josh Hazlewood lands this on a hard length and around off, Maheesh Theekshana lets it go to the keeper.

Touch fuller and on off, Maheesh Theekshana taps it straight towards point.

Josh Hazlewood bangs in a bouncer this time, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana gets hurried but ducks under it well.

On a length and on off, Charith Asalanka guides it towards third man for a single.

Back of a length and around off, Charith Asalanka keeps it out to the off side.

Maheesh Theekshana walks out to bat.

OUT! LBW! Adam Zampa strikes again! He has his third wicket of the game as Chamika Karunaratne goes back without making much impact. Zampa bowls a googly this time, full and on middle, turning in a bit, Chamika Karunaratne prods forward to defend but his bat gets stuck on his pads and he plays down the wrong line too. As a result, he gets rapped around his pads right in front of the stumps. There is a huge shout for LBW, and up goes the finger. Chamika Karunaratne opts against the review and Sri Lanka are seven down now!

Flighted, full and around off, Charith Asalanka leans on and drags it towards long off for one.

Quicker one, full and on leg, Chamika Karunaratne works it through square leg for a run.

Flatter, short and down the leg, Chamika Karunaratne misses his flick and the ball goes off his thigh pads behind where Josh Inglis fails to collect it on the first attempt.

Floated, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! BANG! Charith Asalanka decides to take on Adam Zampa now! This is tossed up, full and around off, Charith Asalanka gets to the pitch of it and launches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Short of a length and around off, Chamika Karunaratne dabs it towards point and calls for the run but decides against it in the end. Only one run from the over then.

Josh Hazlewood bangs in a bouncer now, sharp one too, on middle, Chamika Karunaratne ducks under it.

Back of a length and around off, Chamika Karunaratne keeps it out to the off side.

Goes fuller now, on middle, Chamika Karunaratne knocks it towards mid on.

Length again, on off, Charith Asalanka drops it wide of short covers and scampers across for a single.

On a length and around off, nips away a bit, Charith Asalanka steers it towards point.

Tossed up, around off, Chamika Karunaratne reaches out in front and clips it in front of mid-wicket.

Flatter, full and on off, Chamika Karunaratne is solid in his defence again.

Flighted, full and on off, Chamika Karunaratne defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it towards long off for a run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka prods forward and blocks it out.

A bit short and on middle, turning in, Chamika Karunaratne moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

On a length and on off, Charith Asalanka knocks it towards short covers.

OUT! RUN OUT! A brilliant piece of fielding and Australia get another wicket now. Mitchell Starc serves a full toss, on middle, Dunith Wellalage drills it towards mid off and sets off for the run, but he has to go around Starc and then put in a dive in to make his ground. However, Pat Cummins is quick to pounce on the ball and hits the bullseye at the bowler's end. Marnus Labuschagne and the Aussie players look confident and the replay shows that the batter is just short of his crease. Australia are all over Sri Lanka now! As mentioned earlier, Starc held his ground after delivering the ball and Dunith, who was running in a straight line, had to turn around the bowler a bit to change his trajectory. That extra second has cost him those few centimetres. Chamika Karunaratne is the new batter for Sri Lanka.

Is that out? Pat Cummins has scored a direct hit at the non-striker's end and the Aussies are pretty confident. And yes, the replays confirm the same.

Pitches this one up but outside again, Dunith Wellalage lets it go to the keeper.

Short ball staright to the body lane of Dunith Wellalage, but he ducks and leaves the ball.

Mitchell Starc lands this on a hard length and outside off, Dunith Wellalage offers no shot at it,

Overpitched around off, Charith Asalanka pushes the ball to deep extra cover, single taken.

Looped up, full and on off once again, Charith Asalanka strides forward and eases it towards long off for one.

Fuller one again on leg, Charith Asalanka looks to block the ball but the ball thumps the pad, not much of an appeal from Glenn Maxwell as the ball was missing leg stump.

Flighted, full and around off, Dunith Wellalage drives it towards deep point for a run.

Flater this time on middle and leg, Dunith Wellalage dabs the ball on the leg side. The zing bails light up and Glenn Maxwell thinks that Wellalage has knocked them off his leg but Josh Inglis signals that he had accidentally disturbed the gloves with his gloves.

Floated, full and on off, Dunith Wellalage pushes it towards short covers,

Tossed up on off, Charith Asalanka drives the ball in front of long off, single taken.

Back of a length and outside off, angling away, Dunith Wellalage looks to cut it away but misses.

Pitched up this time on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka tucks the ball to the deep square leg region for a single.

Pitched up and around off, Dunith Wellalage drives it through covers for a run and gets off the mark.

Dunith Wellalage is the new man in.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Mitchell Starc strikes straightaway after the rain stoppage! A break in play once again proves to be useful for the fielding side. Starc lands this one on a good length and on the sixth stump line, Dhananjaya de Silva tries to push it away without much footwork and only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. Sri Lanka lose half their side now and is in a lot of trouble!

Mitchell Starc starts with a full delivery after the break, angling in, Dhananjaya de Silva turns it towards short mid-wicket.

All in readiness for the play to restart. No overs have been lost. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva are all set to resume their innings. Mitchell Starc is at the top of his mark and is raring to go. Let's play...

UPDATE - 5.01 pm IST (11.31 am GMT) - There is positive news coming from the middle as the covers are being peeled off now. The two umpires walk out to the ground to check on the outfield while the super-soppers are working around as well. The wait should not be long.

UPDATE - 4.42 pm IST (11.12 am GMT) - Oh, dear! The clouds have opened up and it has started to drizzle. The ground staff come charging in with the covers and David Warner helps them get the covers on quickly. The square has been completely covered but let's hope that this is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates.

Fuller one outside off, Charith Asalanka tries to drive the ball from the middle of cover and mid off, but great fielding by Pat Cummins at mid off saving a couple of runs for his team. Only a single.

Looped up, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Looped up, fuller, just outside off, Charith Asalanka staying back rests the ball back to Adam Zampa .

Flatter, short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva moves back and punches it towards long on for another run.

Tosses the ball up, low full toss, Charith Asalanka drives the ball to long on for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva eases it towards long on for a single.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Adam Zampa drags his length back and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva moves back and waits for it to cut it really late towards the deep backward point fence for a boundary.

Overpitched and on middle, Charith Asalanka drives it firmly wide of mid on but the fielder there dives to his right to gather it.

Short ball on the bodyline of Dhananjaya de Silva, he pulls the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

This is on a good length and just around off, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to tap it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side.

Short ball above middle, Dhananjaya de Silva camps back and opens the bat's face to point.

Pitched up and around leg, Charith Asalanka flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc serves this in the blockhole, but drifting down the leg side, Charith Asalanka misses his glance. Wided.

Length ball outside off, Charith Asalanka leaves the ball without taking any risk.

Short and turning away, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva dabs it from the crease to point.

Fuller again on the middle, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks the ball to the left of mid-wicket.

Short and sliding onto the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva misses the tuck and gets hit on the front pad.

Tossed up on the middle, De Silva camps back and drives the ball to mid-wicket.

No hat-trick for Adam Zampa! Drops it too short, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva camps back and pats the ball to the right of the bowler.

Dhananjaya de Silva comes out to the middle now with Sri Lanka in a spot of bother.

OUT! LBW! Lightning strikes twice as does Adam Zampa! Floats it up, full and on middle and leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama plays for the leg break but the ball skids on and keeps straight. Gets pinged on the front pad and up goes the finger. The front on replays show that the ball has passed close to the bat. The UltraEdge show no bat though. The Ball Tracking comes up and it shows that wickets is umpire's call. Sri Lanka have now lost both their centurions from the last game and Adam Zampa is on a hat-trick now.

On a back of a length, outside off, Charith Asalanka goes for the cut but misses out on the connection.

Short ball on the middle, angling it outside leg-stump, Charith Asalanka tries to flick the ball to fine-leg, but the ball brushes the thigh pads of Charith Asalanka, huge appeal from the bowler but nothing from the umpire.

Pat Cummins bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Charith Asalanka sways away from it.

Length ball, around off, Asalanka defends the ball to the covers.

Full and honing in, at the stumps, Charith Asalanka drives it with a straight bat to mid on.

Pitched up, outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama drives it along the carpet to mid off and sets off for a single. Glenn Maxwell swoops in at mid off and hits at the batting end but Charith Asalanka has made his ground.

Drinks! Australia have made an excellent comeback in the match by picking three wickets in quick succession. They will look to put more pressure on the new batters now while Sri Lanka will be hoping for another partnership. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Charith Asalanka is the next man in.

OUT! TAKEN! Adam Zampa gets into the act now and this is a stunning grab by David Warner! A big blow for Sri Lanka as their in-form skipper departs. Zampa offers flight and bowls it on off, Kusal Mendis gets tempted in the flight and goes for the sweep. He takes the risk of hitting it against the turn and does not get on top of the bounce by rolling his wrists. Gets a top edge that goes high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where David Warner from deep square leg, runs to his left and completes a well-judged catch. His knee gets stuck in the ground as he tumbles but manages to cling on. All of a sudden, Australia have an opening.

Looped again on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis blocks the ball to the bowler.

Floated up, on middle, driven to long on for one by Sadeera Samarawickrama.

FOUR! Excellent placement! A bit too full by Zampa, outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama stays still and drills it wide of extra cover. Times it too well and Glenn Maxwell from wide long off, cannot get on the end of it.

Skidding on, short and on middle, the ball keeps low as well, Kusal Mendis adjusts well and pulls it in front of square for a single.

Looped, on the middle and off, Sadeera Samarawickrama plays the ball to the covers on his back foot. They cross.

Quick bumper at a steep height, on off, Kusal Mendis ducks and lets the ball pass.

Full and around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama tries to drive it through the off side but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid on for one.

Pace taken off, on a length, on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama waits and guides it to backward point.

Bangs it in short, outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama sways away and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Sadeera Samarawickrama comes out to the middle now.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Pat Cummins strikes again! Sri Lanka have now lost both set openers. Comes from 'round the wicket for the left-hander and angles it in, on a good length, on off and middle, Kusal Perera stays on the back foot and tries to push it down the ground. There is no foot movement whatsoever and he ends up playing down the wrong line as the ball seams in after pitching. The ball beats him on the inside edge and crashes into the stumps.

Serves it on a length, wide outside off, Kusal Mendis slices it wide of point for a single.

Slows it up and bowls it on the pads, Kusal Perera nudges it towards deep square leg for a single.

Drifts full and on the pads, Kusal Perera drops it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Short and on middle, patted down to long on for a single.

Full but down leg, Kusal Perera goes for the sweep but gets a bottom edge that rolls to short fine leg for a single.

Looped up, around off, Kusal Perera gets on the front foot and pushes it to cover.

Tossed up, on off, Kusal Perera keeps it out off the front foot.

Short again, wide outside off, Kusal Perera extends his arms and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Much closer to off, on a back of a length, Kusal Perera steers with an open bat face but picks out backward point.

Drags the length back and bowls it around off, Kusal Perera dabs it off the back foot to point.

FOUR! Kusal Perera goes down the ground now! Cummins takes pace off and bowls it on a length, outside off, Kusal Perera picks the change of pace and swings through the line. Lofts it off the toe-end and to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Another one on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Perera steers it behind square on the off side for a single.

Short of a length and around off, Kusal Perera punched it towards sweeper covers for a single.

On off, Kusal Perera punches it on the up and beats the diving Glenn Maxwell to his right for a single. Maxwell is angry with himself for failing to stop the ball.

FOUR! Quality shot! Maxwell drops it short, outside off, Kusal Perera gets the width he needs and chops it late. Hits it right between backward point and short third man and beats David Warner in the deep to his right for a boundary.

Tossed up, on middle, Kusal Perera prods forward and keeps it out on the off side.

Angled across, short and outside off, Kusal Mendis goes on the back foot and pushes it down to long on for a single.

On a length and around leg, Kusal Perera works it towards square leg for one.

Fuller delivery around off, Kusal Mendis opens his front foot and drives the ball to his leg for a single

Overpitched again outside off, Kusal Mendis opens the bat phase and pushes the ball to backward point for a run

Fuller now just outside off, Kusal Mendis rets the ball to the cover, no run

Slower ball on the body line of Kusal Perera, he pulls the ball to deep square for a single

Better length from Hazlewood, length ball delivered just outside off pole, Perera swings and misses

FOUR! Short again and four again! Hazlewood tries the short delivery again, on off, Kusal Perera gets the ball at a good height and hammers the pull past mid-wicket for four more runs.

FOUR! Short and dismissed! Josh Hazlewood goes short now without much pace, Kusal Perera gets into a good position and pulls it to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

Quick single! Shortish delivery, Kusal Perera fetches it from outside off and drags the pull in front of mid on and scampers across for a quick single. The fielder misses the shy at the batting end, allowing Kusal Mendis to make his ground.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Kusal Mendis helps it down to fine leg and opens his account with a single.

Kusal Mendis walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Pat Cummins gets the breakthrough for Australia! Bowls the effort ball this time does Cummins as he goes into the wicket, near the right shoulder of the batter. Gets extra purchase from the surface as Pathum Nissanka hangs on the back foot to pull. The ball gets big on him and he fails to roll his wrist to control the pull. Hits it in the air towards deep square leg where David Warner covers good ground and puts in a dive to his left to make a tough catch look easy. End of a fine knock by Nissanka.

FOUR! Hammered! Cummins bangs it in short, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and does not bother to keep the ball along the ground. Pulls it in front of square on the leg side and picks up a boundary to the deep mid-wicket region.

Rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it fuller in length, on off, Pathum Nissanka waits for the ball to arrive and steers it towards backward point.

Pitched up by Cummins from over the wicket, on off, Pathum Nissanka drives firmly with a straight bat but picks out mid off.

Angles it away, on a length, outside off, Kusal Perera goes for a swipe across the line but the ball sneaks under his bat. It dies down as well on its way to the keeper.

Into the wicket by Hazlewood, over middle, Pathum Nissanka swivels in the crease and pulls it a bit aerially towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Another back of a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka rises again and pats it without much timing to cover.

Much straighter this time, back of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes and drops it in front of cover.

FOUR! Cut away with ease! Hazlewood offers width, short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka hangs on the back foot and frees his arms. Cuts it hard and wide of backward point for a boundary.

Returns to the attack and starts a bit too straight, on the pads, Pathum Nissanka hops and flicks it in front of deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Quicker, short and on off, Kusal Perera stays back and pushes it towards short covers.

FIFTY FOR NISSANKA! Back-to-back fifties for him and he has continued his good form against the Aussies. Now, both openers will look to convert these into big ones. This is floated, full and on middle, turning in, Pathum Nissanka clips it through square leg for one.

Shorter in length and outside off, Kusal Perera cuts it towards deep point for another run.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Perera prods forward and defends it on the front foot.

Goes short this time, on middle, Pathum Nissanka flicks it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Flatter, full and on off, Kusal Perera tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis bangs in another quick bouncer now, on middle, takes off after hitting the deck, Pathum Nissanka misses out on his pull and Josh Inglis behind the stumps leaps high but only manages to parry it behind as the third man fielder mops it up. The batters cross for two byes.

Another slower delivery, length again, on middle, Pathum Nissanka dead-bats it down the pitch.

On a length and around leg, Kusal Perera flicks it towards deep square leg for one.

FOUR! FIFTY FOR PERERA! This has been a lovely knock from him and he gets his first half-century in this competition. Marcus Stoinis serves a slower delivery, full and on off, Kusal Perera waits for it and swats it over the bowler and towards the long on fence for a boundary.

Full again and around leg, Pathum Nissanka clips it through square leg for a single.

Fuller one and on middle, Pathum Nissanka keeps it out to the leg side.

Goes short and around off, Kusal Perera moves back and pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

A googly now, short and on middle, Kusal Perera works it towards short mid-wicket.

Darts this one full but down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to paddle it away but misses. Wided. 100 up for Sri Lanka and that means a century-run stand between the openers.

Slower through the air, on middle, Kusal Perera looks to work it away but gets a leading edge towards short third man.

Tossed up, full and around off, Kusal Perera slices it in the air but manages to get enough power to go over extra cover for a couple of runs.

Floated, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka drills it towards long off for a single.

Short and around off, Pathum Nissanka moves back and punches it towards short covers.

Halt! Kusal Perera has taken a blow near the badge of his helmet and looks shaken by it. Two physios are out, performing the concussion assessment and this does not look good for Perera. Right then, he seems fine to continue despite the initial scare and we are all good to go now.

Ouch! That must have hurt! Marcus Stoinis bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Kusal Perera is not at all expecting that and gets hurried onto his pull shot. He misses and gets hit hard on the helmet. He straightaway takes it off and looks a bit weathered by it.

Short of a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it through square leg for one.

Fantastic effort in the field! Marcus Stoinis lands this back of a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it hard and just over short mid-wicket where Marnus Labuschagne leaps up with his right hand up in the air but it comes at him a bit too fast and deflects off his hand to the deep. Two runs taken.

On a length and on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

A slower one now, full and on leg, Kusal Perera works it through backward square leg for a run.

Marcus Stoinis begins with a short delivery, on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Kusal Perera turns it wide of square leg and takes a few steps forward for the run but is sent back, Marnus Labuschagne hits the stumps at the batter's end but Perera is well in. The replay shows the same.

Fires in a yorker now, on off, Kusal Perera digs it out wide of short covers where the fielder dives to his left to stop it.

Short again and around leg, Kusal Perera moves back and clips it towards square leg.

A bit short now, on off, angling away, Kusal Perera keeps it out to the off side.

FOUR! Nicely played! This is tossed up, full and around middle, Kusal Perera goes down on one knee and heaves it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Darts this one full and on the leg stump line again, Kusal Perera goes down and paddles it wide of fine leg for a brace.

Flatter delivery, short but down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to pull it away but misses. It is called a wide.

Drinks break! This has been a solid start for Sri Lanka. Both Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera have looked at ease in the middle and are laying a solid foundation. As far as Australia are concerned, they have bowled too full and too straight at times, which has resulted in them conceding the boundaries. Adam Zampa hasn't started well but will have to come back strong and provide a breakthrough for his side.

A full toss now, on middle, Kusal Perera drills it well wide of mid on but Glenn Maxwell runs to his right quickly and dives to make a brilliant stop. They cross.

Back of a length and around leg this time, Pathum Nissanka nudges it through backward square leg for one.

On a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka pushes it towards mid off.

Fullish and outside off, Kusal Perera looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge towards third man for a run.

This is pitched up and around middle, angling in, Kusal Perera flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Mitchell Starc loses his line and serves this full and down the leg side, Kusal Perera leaves it alone. Wided.

Fuller one and around off, Pathum Nissanka drives it towards mid off for a quick single.

A googly now, on middle, turning in, Pathum Nissanka watches it through and punches it towards long on for one.

Floated, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it straight to short covers.

Quicker, short and around off, Pathum Nissanka punches it towards covers.

FOUR! Powered away! This is tossed up nicely, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka stays in his creases and smacks it past the bowler towards the vacant long on fence for another boundary.

Flatter, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka leaves it alone.

FOUR! Pathum Nissanka greets Adam Zampa with a boundary! Zampa starts with a short delivery and around off, Pathum Nissanka rocks back quickly and slaps it wide of mid on for four runs.

A change in bowling as Adam Zampa comes on to bowl, replacing Glenn Maxwell.

Mitchell Starc bangs this short and around off, Pathum Nissanka pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, shaping in, Pathum Nissanka blocks it out well down the pitch.

Pitched up and around leg, Kusal Perera flicks it uppishly but safely towards deep square leg for a run.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Mitchell Starc serves this a bit too full and too straight, angling in as well, Kusal Perera just tickles it towards the fine leg fence giving no chance to the fielder in deep as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Nice change of pace! Starc bowls this fuller and on off, slower one, Kusal Perera is early into his defensive push and misses it completely.

On a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka runs it down to third man for a single.

Darts this one full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka knocks it towards long on for one more.

Flatter, short and around leg, Kusal Perera flicks it off the back foot towards backward square leg for one.

Pushed through quicker, full and angling into leg, Kusal Perera tries to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Goes short again and on middle, Pathum Nissanka moves back and punches it towards long on for a run.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Perera clips it through square leg for a single.

Shorter in length and outside off, Kusal Perera rocks back and cuts it hard towards the deep point fence where David Warner covers a lot of ground to his right and dives to keep it inside. Two runs taken.

Pat Cummins gets the bouncer right this time, on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets a bit hurried as he mistimes his pull shot wide of mid-wicket.

Tries to go short but this one keeps a bit low, on middle, Kusal Perera heaves it towards fine leg for a run.

Pat Cummins goes wide of the crease and bowls this on a good length, on off, shaping away a bit, Pathum Nissanka steers it wide of point for a single.

FOUR! Fine shot! Pat Cummins lands this back of a length and outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce well and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Pulls his length back this time, on middle again, Pathum Nissanka keeps it out down the pitch.

Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka tucks it towards short mid-wicket,

Powerplay 2! Australia can now have up to 4 players outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Slows it up a touch and bowls it short, around off, Kusal Perera punches it off the back foot but straight to extra cover.

Short and outside off, Kusal Perera rocks back and cuts it well but straight to point.

A confident appeal for LBW by Glenn Maxwell but the umpire says no! Serves it short and sliding on the pads, Kusal Perera gets inside the line to help it fine on the leg side but misses and gets hit on the front pad. The keeper does not look as convinced as Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins opts not to review. Now then, the replays show that it is three reds on Ball Tracking. A huge chance missed by Australia.

Fuller in length, on middle, Kusal Perera prods forward and defends it out solidly.

Compensates this time and drops it short, on middle, Kusal Perera keeps it out on the leg side.

FOUR! Not in control but Kusal Perera has a boundary! Tossed up, on middle, Kusal Perera gets down and goes for the sweep. He fails to roll his wrist and the extra bounce results in a top edge that goes over the keeper and wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

Fuller in length and drifting onto the pads, Pathum Nissanka clips it nicely off the front foot and in front of Adam Zampa at deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

A bit too straight, on a back of a length, on the pads, Kusal Perera nurdles it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Perera stands tall and punches without much timing to cover.

Keeps it on a back of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka runs it down to third man for a single.

At the batter, on a back of a length, Kusal Perera drops it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Gets this one to angled away, on a length, outside off, Kusal Perera swings across the line but misses as the ball sneaks under his bat.

Shorter and outside off, punched off the back foot to cover.

DROPPED! A healthy deviation but a chance nonetheless! Maxwell bowls it short, around off, Pathum Nissanka waits on the back foot to defend. Nissanka plays for the turn but the ball keeps straight and he gets an outside edge. Josh Inglis fails to get his gloves in the correct position and the ball deflects off his right glove to the short third man region.

Beaten! Short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka rocks back to cut this one but the ball skids and keeps tad low and he fails to get it away.

Leg bye! Switches to 'round the wicket for the left-hander and fires it on the pads, Kusal Perera fails to get any bat on the tickle. The ball rolls off his pads to short fine leg for a run.

Keeps it short, on middle, Pathum Nissanka punches it to the right of mid on and calls his partner for a single.

Much better! Turning in, short and on off, Pathum Nissanka makes room to cut it away on the off side but the ball spins in and hits the splice of the bat.

WIDE! Starts off with a drag down, way down leg, Pathum Nissanka leaves it alone for a wide.

At the batter, on a good length, Kusal Perera tucks it from the crease in front of square leg. He wants a single but gets sent back by his partner.

On a hard length, on off, Kusal Perera stands tall to punch it through the off side. He gets an inside edge that rolls on the leg side.

Fuller in length, angling across, just outside off, Kusal Perera goes for a swipe across the line without any foot movement and gets beaten again.

Gets this one to angle away, closer to off, on a good length, Kusal Perera shapes to cut but the ball is too close to cut and he gets beaten by the bounce on this occasion.

WIDE! Tries to go full but hurls it down leg, Kusal Perera looks to help it fine but misses out. Wided.

Much straighter this time, on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Perera camps back and dabs it along the ground to point.

FOUR! Kusal Perera greets Pat Cummins with a boundary! Starts off with a loosened, on a length, but down leg, Kusal Perera gets inside the line and tickles it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Just In - It is now official that cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympics which will be held in Los Angeles. Also, Pat Cummins brings himself into the attack now.

Short of a good length, on off, Pathum Nissanka stabs it off the back foot on the off side for another dot.

Shortish delivery, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets cramped for room and keeps it out onto the deck.

Good-length delivery, on off, Kusal Perera drives it on the up to the right of wide mid off for a single.

FOUR! Short and punished! Serves a bumper, on off, the ball sits up nicely for Kusal Perera who controls the pull well and hits it behind square on the leg side. Adam Zampa at fine leg sprints to his right but fails to cut off the boundary.

Slanting in, on middle and leg, on a good length, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and whips it in front of square. The mid-wicket fielder performs the chase and pulls it back as the batters run three.

In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka stands tall and punches it away on the up to cover.

Bangs it in short, at 143.2 clicks, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes to play it fine on the off side. He bottom-edges the ball down to third man for a single.

Pulls the length back and bowls it on middle, Pathum Nissanka camps back and hops to defend with a straight bat.

FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Starc misses his length again as he bowls it a bit too full and a bit wide outside off, Pathum Nissanka leans and drives it past the non-striker. The handle twists in his hand but gets enough bat on it to pick up a boundary.

Near the tramline on off, full as well, Pathum Nissanka goes for an expansive drive but toe-ends his shot a bit uppishly towards mid off.

That has taken off! Serves it in the corridor of uncertainty, on a good length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka lets it go. The ball rises steeply on its way to the keeper and Josh Inglis has to leap to his left to make the stop.

Full and shaping in, outside off, Pathum Nissanka does not get tempted by it and lets the ball go through.

Back of a length now, on off, Kusal Perera steers it from the crease towards point.

Into the wicket by Josh Hazlewood, outside off, Kusal Perera hangs on the back foot and goes for the pull. He misses out on the connection and the ball dies down on its way to the keeper.

Angling in, at the pads, on a back of a length, Kusal Perera misses the tuck and wears it high on the front pad.

FOUR! Lovely shot! This is overpitched, on off, Kusal Perera picks the length early and drills it down the ground with a straight bat. The mid off fielder is standing wide and he stands no chance as the ball races past his left.

FOUR! Width offered and Kusal Perera cashes in! Hazlewood errs in line as he bowls it on a good length, wide outside off, Kusal Perera latches onto the width and slaps it past cover-point for a boundary.

Hits the back of a length, on middle, Kusal Perera shapes to nudge it away on the leg side but misses. The ball jags back in a bit and catches Perera high on the thigh pad.

Starc drifts on the pads this time, full in length, Pathum Nissanka plays it right under his eyes and turns this one behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Angles it into the batter, on a length, Kusal Perera closes the bat face slightly and helps it down to fine leg. Gets off the mark with a single.

Good shot for no run! Swinging away, fuller and outside off, Kusal Perera gets half-forward and drives it firmly with the swing but straight to Steven Smith who is standing wide at mid off.

Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Kusal Perera presents the full face of the bat and pats it back to Mitchell Starc.

Beauty! Starc dishes out a full delivery, shaping away, outside off, Kusal Perera gets lured into the drive and pushes away from the body. The ball goes away and zips past the outside edge of his bat.

At 142.9 clicks, on a good length, around off, Kusal Perera stays beside the ball and blocks it out without much foot movement towards cover.

Back of a length again, on off and middle, Pathum Nissanka gets behind the line and defends it on the off side without much of a fuss.

Hazlewood hurls it full and a hint of away shape, outside off, Pathum Nissanka with a high elbow, leans and drives, only to find mid off.

In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka shuffles and dabs it off the back foot towards backward point.

Full again but down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to flick but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Goes a bit fuller this time, on middle, Kusal Perera gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.

Josh Hazlewood begins with a hard-length delivery around off, shaping further away, Kusal Perera lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to share the attack.

FOUR! Clipped away with ease! This is bowled full but the line is a bit off again, Pathum Nissanka brings his wrists into play and clips this full delivery off his pads. Hits it in front of square and picks up four more runs.

FOUR! First boundary for Pathum Nissanka and ​​​​Sri Lanka! A bit too straight by Starc as he serves it on a length but on the pads, Pathum Nissanka allows the ball to come to him and helps it wide of Adam Zampa at fine leg for a boundary.

Full and a bit of late swing in, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka accounts for the inward movement and pushes it to mid on.

WIDE! Loses his radar and sprays a full delivery, down leg. Pathum Nissanka lets it go for a wide. While walking back, Starc has a chat with the umpire about Kusal Perera leaving the crease early.

Beaten! Pulls the length back and gets this one to angle away from the right-hander, Pathum Nissanka has a waft at the delivery, away from the body. He is lucky enough not to edge this one behind.

Pitches it up again in search of swing, outside off, Pathum Nissanka lifts his bat and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Right on the money! A huge shout for LBW but it is turned down. Starc charges in from over the wicket and nails the yorker, on leg, Pathum Nissanka gets hurried but just about manages to get his bat out in front and keep it out. However, the Aussies feel that it is pad first and after a deliberation with the keeper, Pat Cummins goes for the review. The front on replays and UltraEdge confirm that it is bat first and Australia lose their review on the very first ball.

Done with the pre-match formalities! The Australian players can be seen in a huddle where Steven Smith is giving a pep talk. Now they spread out to take their respective field positions. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the two openers for Sri Lanka. Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the players of both sides who line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first followed by the national anthem of Australia.

The captain of Australia, Pat Cummins says they would have batted first as well but this doesn't make much difference. Adds that they have had a couple of good training sessions and it is all about being fresh for each game. Informs they are unchanged.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis says that they will bat first. Mentions that the wicket will play well in the first and reckons that it will turn later. Shares that he watched the previous game between Australia and South Africa at this venue and feels that batting will be easier in the first half. Adds that they have a couple of spinners who will come into play in the second half. Informs that they have made changes to the side with Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Kumara coming in for Dasun Shanaka and Matheesha Pathirana ​​​​​respectively. States that is unfortunate for Dasun to miss out on such an important game. Also says that the par score will be around 290-300 and hopes that the batters can get the total.

Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne (In for Dasun Shanaka), Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara (In for Matheesha Pathirana), Dilshan Madushanka.

TOSS - Sri Lanka have won the toss and they elected to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Samuel Badree is pitchside. He says that the straight boundaries are the same and there is only a metre difference between the square ones. Adds the outfield is in sublime condition. Nasser Hussain joins him and says that there is not of moisture on it and there is something for both pacers and spinners. Adds that in the previous game the South African seamers hit the back of a length while the Aussies went a bit too full which they will look to change in this game. Ends by saying it is a huge game for both teams.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have lost their way since being handed a drubbing in the Asia Cup final by India. They had a far-from-ideal start to the World Cup with back-to-back losses and are in a similar position as Australia. In what has come as a massive blow to their preparations, skipper Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out due to a quadriceps tear. The positive for them is that they have been able to breach the 300-run mark twice, and it has been the bowlers that have failed to complement the batters. Considering Matheesha Pathirana's ineffectiveness, we might see Kasun Rajitha returning to the side and partnering Maheesh Theekshana with the new ball. Being handed over the reins now, Kusal Mendis will be expected to lead from the front. Who are you backing to register their first win? Stay tuned as the toss and team news is coming up in a bit. 

Coming into the World Cup, Australia were labelled as one of the favourites, but the five-time winners have failed to live up to the tag so far. In the two games played, the batters have let the team down, failing to cross 200 on both occasions. The experienced trio of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith will have to put their hands up and pull the team out of this batting crisis. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have done a decent job with the ball, while Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa have leaked runs aplenty in the two games. What has made matters worse for them is that they have been lacklustre in the field and will have to convert half chances in this game.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! The 2023 ODI World Cup has lift off with last night's result in Delhi. Afghanistan pulled off one of, if not the greatest, upsets in World Cup history by beating the defending champions and white-ball powerhouse, England. We now shift our focus to Lucknow, where Australia and Sri Lanka square off at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. This is going to be a clash between two teams who are yet to get off the mark in the competition, and a loss here for either side will heavily dent their chances of progressing further.

... MATCH DAY ...

In a tournament that offers nine group-stage matches, leaving ample room for an occasional slip-up, the last situation you'd desire is a disheartening 0-3 record early on. Yet, this is the predicament that looms over either Australia or Sri Lanka as they lock horns in Lucknow, a pivotal clash for both sides, brimming with the weight of retaining their hopes for a spot in the semifinals. The beginning of this tournament has been grueling for both teams, but a victory in this encounter could serve as a beacon of hope, reigniting their ambitions to claim one of the top four positions. Australia, bearing its illustrious World Cup legacy, is grappling with glaring issues that have caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Faced with the daunting challenge of taking on the hosts, India, and a surging South Africa at the outset of the competition, Australia have fallen far short of their usually high standards in all three facets of the game. On the flip side, Sri Lanka have managed to amass runs effectively, surpassing the 300-run mark against both South Africa and Pakistan. However, their persistent dilemma has been a propensity to concede runs at an even higher rate - they've relinquished 773 runs in 98.2 overs across two matches at an alarming economy rate of 7.86 runs per over. This imbalance in performance has proved detrimental, even with Kusal Mendis's brilliant century against Pakistan. Adding to Sri Lanka's challenges is the loss of their captain, Dasun Shanaka, who's been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Consequently, the captaincy baton now rests on Kusal Mendis' shoulders. Yet, despite the trial by fire their bowlers have endured, the spinners within the Sri Lankan ranks will harbor aspirations of making a substantial impact against Australia. In an unusual move, Australia made two changes to their lineup after just one match, with the omission of Cameron Green, although this decision had been expected, and the notable exclusion of Alex Carey. Their 14-player squad currently competes without the services of Travis Head, who is yet to join the group. Among those players, Sean Abbott is the sole member yet to feature in the tournament. Of pressing concern is the Australian batting lineup, which is yet to witness a fifty-run contribution from any player. Presently, Australia hold the dubious distinction of possessing the lowest batting average among all the teams in the tournament, standing at 18.80. Furthermore, they've struggled to reach the 200-run milestone in their initial two outings. In their most recent ODI encounters, taking place in mid-2022 during a five-match series, Sri Lanka emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. Australia made a calculated gamble in their final squad selection by opting not to replace Ashton Agar with a like-for-like player. Although Glenn Maxwell has performed admirably with his part-time off spin, Australia's struggles have been exacerbated by a rare downturn in form for Adam Zampa. Following his impressive performance of 4 for 48 in Bloemfontein, Zampa's fortunes have dwindled, accumulating 7 wickets while conceding 430 runs, bearing an economy rate of 7.41 across six games. On a contrasting note, Kusal Mendis' form is nothing short of spectacular. When including his warm-up innings against Afghanistan, he's compiled an impressive 356 runs in his last three innings. This tally features a career-best 122 off 77 balls against Pakistan in ODIs. Nonetheless, a critical question lingers over whether Mendis can sustain his fluid, aggressive style amidst the added responsibilities of captaincy and perhaps the burdensome role of wicketkeeping. He boasts a commendable one-day record against Australia, with an average of 50.33 from 11 innings. As for the playing surface at the Ekana Stadium, it has displayed an evolving character throughout the matches, offering a degree of difficulty as the game progresses. During the Australia vs. South Africa encounter, the pitch exhibited traits favorable to the quick bowlers in the latter stages. These conditions might influence the captain winning the toss in their decision-making regarding batting or bowling. Interestingly, Pat Cummins and Dasun Shanaka, prior to his injury, had both secured the toss on different occasions and made different choices each time, with their teams suffering defeat on both occasions. Therefore, the captains may opt to leave this pivotal decision to fate. Adding to the equation is the expectation of another scorching day in Lucknow, further increasing the challenges for the competing teams.