India registered a thumping victory over Sri Lanka in the 33rd match of the ICC Cricket World Cup, 2023, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on 2nd November 2023. It was a one-sided contest as India bowled out Sri Lanka for just 55 runs in 19.4 overs and chased down the target in 21.2 overs, losing only two wickets. India’s total of 357 for eight was their highest ever in World Cup history.
India’s Fast Bowlers Dominate Sri Lanka
India won the toss and elected to field first, hoping to exploit the early morning conditions. Their decision proved to be right as their fast bowlers, led by Mohammed Shami, ripped through the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Shami was the pick of the bowlers, taking five wickets for 18 runs in five overs. He was well supported by Jasprit Bumrah, who took two wickets for 12 runs in six overs, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took one wicket for 10 runs in four overs. Sri Lanka’s top order collapsed in no time, losing their first five wickets for 16 runs in 7.3 overs. Only two batsmen, Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka, reached double figures, scoring 15 and 14 runs respectively. Sri Lanka’s total of 55 was their lowest ever in World Cup matches and the second-lowest by any team in World Cup history.
India’s Openers Set the Tone for the Chase
India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, made a mockery of the small target, scoring at a brisk pace and putting on 121 runs for the first wicket in 15.3 overs. Sharma scored 51 off 45 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes, while Gill scored an unbeaten 92 off 92 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. Gill also hit the longest six of the tournament at 106 meters, sending a delivery from Akila Dananjaya over the roof of the stadium. Sharma was dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga in the 16th over, but Gill continued his onslaught and reached his half-century in 49 balls. He was joined by Virat Kohli, who also played a captain’s knock, scoring a century (88 off 94 balls) and becoming the first Indian captain to score two consecutive centuries in World Cup matches. Kohli and Gill shared a partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket, the highest for any wicket in World Cup history. Kohli was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera in the 21st over, but Gill finished the chase with a boundary in the next over. India reached 357 for two in 21.2 overs, winning by 302 runs, the largest margin of victory by runs in World Cup history.
India’s Record-Breaking Performance
India’s performance in the match was nothing short of spectacular, as they broke several records and created new ones. Here are some of the highlights of India’s record-breaking performance:
- India’s total of 357 for eight was their highest ever in World Cup history, surpassing their previous best of 352 for five against Australia in 2019.
- India’s margin of victory by 302 runs was the largest by runs in World Cup history, surpassing their previous best of 257 runs against Bermuda in 2007.
- India’s partnership of 206 runs for the second wicket between Kohli and Gill was the highest for any wicket in World Cup history, surpassing the previous best of 194 runs for the first wicket between Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly against Kenya in 1999.
- India’s run rate of 16.73 was the highest ever in World Cup history, surpassing the previous best of 13.30 by South Africa against Netherlands in 2007.
- Shami’s five-wicket haul was the fourth by an Indian bowler in World Cup history, after Kapil Dev, Ashish Nehra and Yuvraj Singh.
- Kohli became the first Indian captain to score two consecutive centuries in World Cup matches, after scoring 102 against Bangladesh in the previous match.
- Gill became the youngest Indian batsman to score a half-century in World Cup matches, at the age of 23 years and 153 days.
India’s Road to the Semi-Finals
With this win, India secured their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup, with one match remaining in the group stage. India have won six out of their seven matches so far, losing only to England by 31 runs. India have 12 points and a net run rate of +2.456, the highest among all the teams. India will face New Zealand in their last group match on 6th November 2023 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India will look to maintain their momentum and finish at the top of the table, while New Zealand will try to spoil India’s party and qualify for the semi-finals themselves. The other semi-finalists are England, Australia and Pakistan, who have also won six out of their seven matches so far. The semi-finals will be played on 10th and 11th November 2023 at Old Trafford, Manchester and The Oval, London respectively. The final will be played on 15th November 2023 at Lord’s, London.
Conclusion
India’s win over Sri Lanka was a masterclass of fast bowling, batting and fielding, as they displayed their dominance and superiority over their opponents. India have shown why they are the favorites to win the World Cup, as they have a balanced and formidable team, with players in form and confidence. India will hope to continue their winning streak and lift the World Cup trophy for the third time, after 1983 and 2011. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have had a dismal campaign, as they have lost six out of their seven matches so far, with only one win against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka will play their last match against West Indies on 7th November 2023 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah. Sri Lanka will try to salvage some pride and end their World Cup journey on a positive note.