India recorded their biggest ever victory in ODI cricket as they crushed Sri Lanka by 358 runs in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday. The hosts posted a mammoth 357 for 8 in 50 overs, thanks to brilliant centuries from Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli, and then bowled out the visitors for a paltry 2 in 1.1 overs, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj taking a wicket each.
Iyer and Kohli dazzle with the bat
India, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, opted to bat first after losing the toss. They lost Rohit Sharma early, but Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a 174-run partnership for the second wicket. Gill missed out on his maiden World Cup hundred by eight runs, while Kohli reached his 46th ODI ton in style. He was eventually dismissed for 88, but not before he added another 114 runs with Shreyas Iyer for the third wicket.
Iyer was in sublime form as he smashed six sixes and three fours in his 56-ball 82. He was well supported by KL Rahul, who made a quickfire 21, and Ravindra Jadeja, who scored 35 off 24 balls. India lost some wickets in the final overs, but still managed to post their highest ever total in World Cup history.
Sri Lanka crumble under pressure
Sri Lanka, who needed to win this match to keep their slim hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, had no answer to India’s bowling attack. They lost both their openers without scoring, as Bumrah and Siraj struck in their first overs. Kusal Mendis also fell for a duck, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 0 for 3 in the first over.
The match was effectively over when Sadeera Samarawickrama was run out by a direct hit from Kohli in the second over. Sri Lanka were reduced to 2 for 2, and soon after, the umpires called off the game due to bad light. It was a humiliating defeat for Sri Lanka, who registered their lowest ever total in ODI cricket.
India continue their dominance
India have now won all their seven matches in the World Cup 2023, and are assured of finishing at the top of the table. They have been unbeatable in all departments of the game, and have shown no signs of complacency. They will face either New Zealand or Pakistan in the semi-final, depending on the outcome of the remaining matches.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have been knocked out of the tournament with only two wins from seven games. They have failed to live up to their expectations, and have been inconsistent throughout. They will play their last match against Bangladesh on Sunday, hoping to end their campaign on a positive note..
