Mumbai - India's relentless cricketing prowess shone brightly in a thrilling encounter, securing a resounding 302-run victory against Sri Lanka and earning them the first spot in the Cricket World Cup semifinals. The fiery fast-bowling performances of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj set the tone for the match, marking India's seventh consecutive victory in this year's 50-over tournament. This dominant win solidified their status as serious contenders, while Sri Lanka's hopes of advancing dwindled with their fifth defeat in seven matches.
Sri Lanka's chase began disastrously, with Jasprit Bumrah striking on the very first delivery, and Mohammed Siraj swiftly claiming three wickets, reducing Sri Lanka to a mere four for three runs. This early onslaught foreshadowed a one-sided contest.
Mohammed Shami's display of pace and accuracy secured a five-wicket haul, maintaining India's dominance. Shami ended with impressive figures of 5-18, and Siraj contributed with three crucial wickets, ultimately dismissing Sri Lanka for just 55 runs, their lowest total in a 50-over World Cup match.
India's batting prowess was equally remarkable. Virat Kohli, though missing the opportunity to equal Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 49 one-day international hundreds, played a pivotal role by accumulating 88 runs. Kohli, alongside the talented Shubman Gill, formed a formidable partnership of 189 runs for India's second wicket, helping the host nation post a commendable total of 357-8. Notably, this was the highest team score in a World Cup match without an individual hundred.
Sri Lanka's left-arm quick, Dilshan Madushanka, provided his team with a dream start by dismissing in-form India captain Rohit Sharma with only the second ball of the innings. This was indeed a promising start for the island nation, who had won the toss and opted to bowl on a hot and humid day at the Wankhede Stadium.
Despite the early setback, Virat Kohli played a patient knock, accumulating 88 runs off 94 balls, while Gill displayed his prowess with a run-a-ball 92. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to break their partnership. Gill survived a dropped catch at just eight runs, and Kohli also benefited from an early reprieve when he was on 10.
After Kohli and Gill fell to Madushanka in quick succession, India's number four, Shreyas Iyer, stepped up to provide a late flourish to the innings. He scored a blistering 56-ball 82, featuring three fours and six sixes. Madushanka, who finished with remarkable figures of 5-80, achieved his first five-wicket haul in the one-day international format.
India's dominant victory over Sri Lanka not only secured their place in the Cricket World Cup semifinals but also showcased their impressive all-round skills. With formidable fast bowlers like Shami and Siraj and world-class batsmen like Kohli and Gill, India stands as a formidable force in this tournament. As the World Cup progresses, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate more thrilling contests and remarkable performances from the teams competing on the grand stage of international cricket.