Introduction:

India continued their domination under lights, thrashing Sri Lanka by 302 runs to reach the semi-finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The hosts batted first and posted a mammoth total of 357/8. Thanks to half-centuries from Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer. The Indian bowlers then ran through the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Bowling them out for just 55 runs, their lowest total in a 50-over World Cup match.

Moreover, this was India’s fourth consecutive victory under lights in the tournament, and it highlighted their strength in these conditions. The Indian batsmen are comfortable batting under lights, and the bowlers are able to exploit the conditions to their advantage.

India’s batting masterclass

India got off to a flying start in their innings, with Gill and Rohit Sharma putting on a 110-run partnership for the first wicket. Gill was dismissed for 92, but Kohli and Iyer took over and put on a 189-run partnership for the second wicket. Kohli scored 77 runs off 93 balls, while Iyer made 88 runs off 66 balls.

The Indian batsmen were able to rotate the strike regularly and build partnerships. They also made good use of the powerplay overs, scoring 105 runs in the first 10 overs.

Indian bowlers seal the victory

The Indian bowlers were in top form from the start, with Jasprit Bumrah striking with the first ball of the innings. Mohammed Siraj then picked up three wickets in quick succession to reduce Sri Lanka to 4/3. Mohammed Shami then joined the party and took a five-wicket haul to bowl Sri Lanka out for just 55 runs.

The Indian bowlers were able to exploit the conditions to their advantage. The pitch was under the lights and the ball was swinging, which made it difficult for the Sri Lankan batsmen to score runs.

Kohli and Gill set the stage:

Kohli and Gill got off to a slow start but soon found their rhythm. The duo put on a 189-run partnership for the second wicket, which set the tone for India’s innings. Kohli scored 77 runs off 93 balls, while Gill made 92 runs off 107 balls.

Iyer provides the finishing touch:

Iyer then took over and played a blistering knock of 88 runs off 66 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. His innings helped India post a total of 357/8, which was too much for the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Bumrah and Shami strike early

Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami struck early for India, reducing Sri Lanka to 4/3. Bumrah bowled out Dhananjaya de Silva with a beautiful inswinger, while Shami trapped Kusal Mendis lbw with another inswinger.

Shami completes his hat-trick

Shami then completed his hat-trick by bowling out Charith Asalanka with a full delivery that swung back in sharply. He continued his wicket-taking spree and picked up two more wickets in the form of Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera. He finished his spell with figures of 5/18, which is the best bowling performance by an Indian bowler in a World Cup match.

Conclusion:

India’s victory over Sri Lanka was a comprehensive one and they will be looking to carry this momentum into the semi-finals. They have a well-balanced team with a strong batting line-up and a formidable bowling attack. India are one of the favorites to win the World Cup this year and they will be looking to add another trophy to their cabinet.