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Australia and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the 14th match of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. The match will be contested at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on October 16, Monday. Both Sri Lanka and Australia are yet to win a game and are currently standing seventh and ninth, respectively, in the points table. 

Sri Lanka are coming off a six-wicket loss over Pakistan. Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted a mammoth 344 in alloted overs. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama were key for the side, scoring 122 and 108 respectively. Opener Pathum Nissanka also played a significant contribution to the side smashing a half-century. 

Meanwhile, the bowlers were not up to the mark as they failed to defend the total. Notably, Pakistan chased the target in 48.2 overs with Abdullah Shafique (113) and Muhammad Rizwan (131*) scoring respective centuries. For Sri Lanka, Dilshan Madushanka picked up two wickets while Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana made one scalp each. Sri Lanka made a dismal start in the tournament, having suffered a 102-run defeat against South Africa in their first match after conceding the highest World Cup total, 428 runs.

Speaking about Australia’s previous match, the Kangaroos faced South Africa and suffered a humiliating 134-run defeat. After opting to bowl first, the five-time champions gave way 311 runs to the consistent South Africa. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc were key for Australia who have picked up two wickets each. The batters struggled in front of the Proteas’ bowling attack as they bundled out for 177 in just 40.5 overs. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for the Aussies, scoring 46 off 74 deliveries. 

Both Sri Lanka and Australia are likely to make some alterations in their lineup in the upcoming match. Both sides expected to showcase a remarkable performance in order to open their account in the ongoing tournament.