On a Wankhede pitch known for conceding runs, Sri Lanka sprang a surprise by choosing to bowl first against India. Initially, it seemed like a smart move as the Lankans dismissed Rohit Sharma on just the second ball of the match.
However, Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill illustrated how this decision might backfire. Despite their efforts to stabilize the innings, the Indian pair managed to accumulate 60 runs during the initial powerplay. Over the next ten overs, they continued at the rate of one run per ball, both achieving half-centuries.
India then accelerated, with several batters approaching three figures, reaching a score of 185/1 in 29 overs. Yet, within a span of ten deliveries, India lost both Gill (92) and Kohli (88). However, Shreyas Iyer’s arrival ensured India finished strongly.
Iyer’s 56-ball 82, supported by KL Rahul (21) and Ravindra Jadeja (35), enabled India to post a competitive total of 357, despite the efforts of Dilshan Madushanka, who claimed a five-wicket haul. In pursuit of the daunting target, Sri Lanka had an opportunity to lay to rest the memories of the 2011 World Cup final with a courageous performance.
Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. After Jasprit Bumrah gave India an ideal start by dismissing Pathum Nissanka on his first delivery, Mohammed Siraj replicated his heroics from the 2023 Asia Cup final, wreaking havoc with the ball. In just 19 balls, Sri Lanka slumped to 3 runs for the loss of 4 wickets.
When the whole crowd was shouting "Sara", Virat said, his name is Shubman Gill🤣🤣❤️#viratkohli #Shubmangill pic.twitter.com/DzcGS8rxsn
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrogn_edits) November 2, 2023
Following Siraj’s masterful performance, Mohammed Shami also made his mark, claiming four wickets in his first three overs, further worsening the situation for the Lankan Lions, with the scoreboard reading 29/8. The only silver lining for Sri Lanka was that they managed to surpass the 36-run mark, which is the lowest score in World Cup history, eventually reaching 55. Nevertheless, India secured a resounding 302-run victory, advancing to the semifinals.