(Image Source: X)
[Saba Sports News] In a remarkable display of cricket, India, the former two-time champions, continued their impressive run in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. They outshone Sri Lanka on Thursday, November 2, at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, securing a massive 302-run victory. A viral video on social media captured Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s heartwarming gesture of gifting a shoe to a fan in celebration of their memorable win.
The Wankhede Stadium was packed to capacity as Team India faced Sri Lanka, aiming for their seventh consecutive victory to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The crowd was joined by Bollywood celebrities like Shahid Kapoor and Kunal Khemu, while legendary cricketers Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan added to the occasion’s grandeur.
Sri Lanka might have had lingering memories of their previous encounter with India, where they suffered a 10-wicket defeat in the Asia Cup finals in September. Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka’s captain, won the toss and invited India to bat first.
Despite Rohit Sharma’s early departure, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill formed a mesmerizing 189-run partnership before falling for scores of 88 and 92, respectively. Shreyas Iyer showcased his potential by scoring a scintillating 82 off just 56 balls, featuring three fours and six sixes. Ravindra Jadeja contributed with a useful cameo of 35 runs off 24 balls, helping India post a formidable total of 357/8.
India’s pace bowlers played a crucial role in reclaiming the top spot in the ODI World Cup 2023 points table after their dominant performance against Sri Lanka. Mohammed Siraj, who had previously picked up a six-for in the Asia Cup final, displayed his A-game, dismissing three of the first four Sri Lankan batters. Jasprit Bumrah made an early breakthrough by sending Pathum Nissanka back to the pavilion on the very first ball of the second innings.
The in-form Mohammed Shami joined the attack in the 10th over and continued his impressive form in the tournament, taking five wickets to dismantle the Sri Lankan side.
Remarkably, only three Sri Lankan batters managed to reach double digits as they were bundled out for a mere 55 runs by the dominant hosts. Following this one-sided encounter, India reclaimed their position at the top of the points table. Their next challenge awaits at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where they will face South Africa on Sunday, November 5.