Australia on Monday (October 16) registered their first victory in the ongoing World Cup as they defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Adam Zampa played a key role in Australia’s win. The leg-spinner returned with impressive bowling figures of 4/47 in his 8 overs, helping the Aussies bundle out Sri Lanka for a below-par 209 in 43.3 overs.
In reply, the five-time champions overhauled the target in 35.2 overs on the back of half-centuries from Josh Inglis (58) and Mitchell Marsh (52).
After the game, Zampa, who was declared Player-of-the-Match, revealed that he had been struggling with back spasms for the last couple of days.
"To be honest, I wasn't feeling great because I had a bit of a back spasm. Was playing through it the last couple of days. Today I felt better, bowled better today," Zampa said.
"Personally, not at my best and last game particularly felt I could have been doing better. My job in this team is to take wickets in the middle order. Didn't quite do that last game and put the pressure on the death bowlers.
"Today, I've been feeling better, but nice to come out on the winning side today. Took a while to get into the game, just got to keep that wicket taking attitude going, doesn't matter if I leak some runs," he added.
Australia were outplayed by India and South Africa in their first two World Cup matches, and Pat Cummins was a pleased captain as his side ticked all the boxes against Sri Lanka.
"Yeah, happy today. It was probably that nothing was said and it was just on the back of two losses...The energy in the field was nice to start with and everything else flowed,” Cummins said after the match.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a brilliant start as the duo of Kusal Perera (78) and Pathum Nissanka (61) added 125 runs for the opening wicket.
However, once the opening partnership came to an end, the Sri Lankan batting line-up collapsed like of cards, losing 9 wickets for 53 runs.
"Again, they started really well but the way all the bowlers came in, hit the wicket, and did their job, it was a great effort. I can't read these wickets. About 300 [would've been par] maybe," Cummins said.
"Outside noise doesn't bother us too much. I hope so, all parts of the game came together at the end. We're sort of underway in the tournament and hope we keep it up."
(With PTI Inputs)
