After a bit of rain delay, we are all set for Australia's reply to commence. Sri Lankans are in a huddle near the ropes before they spread out to take their respective field positions. It will be Mitchell Marsh and David Warner to open the innings for Australia. Lahiru Kumara will start with the new ball for Sri Lanka. Off we go…

… THE RUN CHASE …

UPDATE – 6.47 pm IST (1.17 pm GMT) – Great news! The rain has stopped and the covers are off. Considering that it was just a drizzle, it should not take long for the ground staff to get the field ready for play. More promising signs as we have a start time for the Australian run chase. Play will resume at 6.55 pm IST (1.25 pm GMT).

Right then, Australia will be the happier of the two sides at the halfway mark. However, batting under lights isn't easy at this venue and their misfiring batting unit will have to rise to the challenge. Moreover, Australia have failed to cross the 200-run mark twice, and no Aussie batter has managed to score a fifty at this World Cup so far. Will they get the job done here? Or will Sri Lanka make a match out of this? The start of the chase will be a bit delayed as the covers are coming on again, but it is only a slight drizzle. Stick with us for further updates.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be disappointed with this batting effort, especially after the platform laid by the openers. After Kusal Mendis called it right and opted to put runs on the board, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera did a good job of negating the Aussie pacers. They were even helped by the bowlers missing their lines and lengths, which allowed them to ease off the early jitters. Once the movement disappeared, both openers looked at ease, and Perera carried on without any aftereffects of the blow to the helmet. At 125-0 and both batters completing their fifties, Sri Lanka were on course for a much bigger total than they eventually got. Once the two set openers perished, none of the incoming batters were able to handle the pressure and the wickets began to fall like ninepins on either side of the rain interruption. Charith Asalanka did farm the strike over while batting with the tail, but with nine wickets down, he had to go for the shots and was dismissed for 25.

In search of early wickets, Australia's new ball pairing of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood looked to go full, but they erred by bowling too straight and leaking boundaries in the process. Pat Cummins brought himself on as the first change, but he too failed to have any impact. As was the case in the last game against South Africa, the ineffectiveness of the pacers meant Glenn Maxwell was brought into the attack inside the first powerplay. He would have managed to trap Kusal Perera in front of the stumps had it been reviewed. There were a few half chances that Australia missed to convert, which meant they were behind the eight ball. It was Pat Cummins who broke the opening stand and soon went on to account for the other opener. Having had not so great first two games, Adam Zampa proved his worth by removing Sri Lanka's two in-form batters, Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Zampa carried on even after the rain break and was supported by Mitchell Starc from the other end. The leggie had the opportunity to become the first Aussie spinner to clinch a five-wicket haul in a 50-over World Cup, but Glenn Maxwell wrapped up the innings by making Charith Asalanka his second victim. The bowlers were well backed up by the fielders, especially David Warner whose two excellent catches started the turnaround for Australia.

What's with Asian teams and their batting collapses at this World Cup? First Pakistan, and now Sri Lanka. From 157-2, Sri Lanka lost their last 8 wickets for 52 runs to be bowled out for 209. If you consider the opening wicket partnership of 125 runs, the batting story for the Lankans will look even uglier. As far as Australia are concerned, it has been a tale of two halves. They did not start well but came roaring back to roll Sri Lanka over.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, OUT! TAKEN! Glenn Maxwell finishes things off for Australia! He tosses this one up, full and around middle, turns away a bit, Charith Asalanka goes down on one knee for the slog sweep but the spin makes the ball take the top edge and the ball flies in the air in front of long on. Marnus Labuschagne runs forward, settles under it and pouches it safely. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 209!

The wind seems to have slowed and things have returned to normalcy. Australia will want to get the last wicket quickly.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka uses his feet and chips it over extra covers for a couple of runs.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Short and on middle, Charith Asalanka flicks it off the back foot through mid-wicket but refuses the run.

Mitchell Starc to Dilshan Madushanka, Back of a length and around off, Dilshan Madushanka gets on top to and stabs it towards point.

Mitchell Starc to Dilshan Madushanka, Mitchell Starc continues with his fuller length, on middle, angling in again, Dilshan Madushanka once again manages to defend it out down the pitch. He still has one delivery to survive in this over.

Oh, no! The batters are having difficulty seeing the ball due to the dust that is blowing with the wind and have a chat with the umpires. The game is halted for now.

Mitchell Starc to Dilshan Madushanka, Mitchell Starc bangs in a bouncer at 144 clicks but down the leg sid, Dilshan Madushanka manages to get away from the line of it. Wided.

Mitchell Starc to Dilshan Madushanka, Another full delivery, on middle, angling in, Dilshan Madushanka gets hit bat down in time and keeps it out to the leg side.

Mitchell Starc to Dilshan Madushanka, Pitched up, on off, angling in, Dilshan Madushanka steers it towards point.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one and around off, Charith Asalanka drives it wide of extra covers where the fielder dives to his left to stop it. They cross.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Short of a length and on middle, Charith Asalanka looks to pull it away but toe-ends it down pitch and towards mid on.

Glenn Maxwell to Dilshan Madushanka, Flighted, full and on middle, Dilshan Madushanka turns it to the leg side.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Floated, full and on off, Charith Asalanka drops it wide of short covers for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, TURN AND BOUNCE! Glenn Maxwell bowls this quick again, on off, grips and turns away with extra bounce, Charith Asalanka gets opened up a bit as he misses out on his push.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Quicker, short and outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to cut it away but misses.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Flatter, short and around off, Charith Asalanka taps it towards point.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Fires in a yorker now, on middle, Charith Asalanka digs it out to the bowler.

Uh oh! All of a sudden, the wind has picked up.

Mitchell Starc to Dilshan Madushanka, A low full toss, on off, angling in, Dilshan Madushanka manages to get some bat on it as the ball rolls towards deep point.

Mitchell Starc to Lahiru Kumara, OUT! TIMBER! Starc doing Starc things! Dishes out a searing yorker, on middle and leg, Lahiru Kumara exposes all his stumps and looks to keep this one out. The ball tails back in sharply and Lahiru fails to get his bat down in time and sees his woodwork rattled. Mitchell Starc has his second wicket and Sri Lanka are now 9 down. Dilshan Madushanka is the last man in.

Mitchell Starc to Lahiru Kumara, Quick bumper, on middle, Lahiru Kumara sways away quickly and lets the ball go to the keeper.

Mitchell Starc to Lahiru Kumara, Full and straight, at the stumps, Lahiru Kumara gives himself room and somehow manages to dig this one out back to the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Lahiru Kumara, FOUR! Streaky but crucial runs these for Sri Lanka! Tries to angle it back in, on a length, on the leg stump line, Lahiru Kumara exposes all his stumps and clears his front leg to swing across the line. Luckily for him, he gets an inside edge that races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, On the fifth stump line, on a good length, Charith Asalanka looks to defend it with a straight bat. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to third man for a single. 200 up for Sri Lanka!

Powerplay 3! Australia can have five fielders outside the inner ring, but they will want to put more pressure on the batters by closing in the field. They will hope to wrap up the innings quickly now.

Adam Zampa to Lahiru Kumara, Quicker through the air, short and outside off, Lahiru Kumara watches the ball all the way through and lets it go.

Adam Zampa to Lahiru Kumara, Fuller and turning in, on middle, Lahiru Kumara works it off the front foot to mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to Lahiru Kumara, Looped up, on middle, Lahiru Kumara knocks it along the ground to mid off.

Adam Zampa to Lahiru Kumara, Serves another googly, short and on off, Lahiru Kumara reads it well and stands tall to pat it back to the bowler.

Lahiru Kumara comes out to the middle.

Adam Zampa to Maheesh Theekshana, OUT! LBW! Another googly, another wicket! Sri Lankan batters have no answers to Adam Zampa here. He flights this one up and around middle, lands and turns in sharply, Maheesh Theekshana gets stuck in his crease and plays completely down the wrong line to get hit on the pads. There is an appeal for LBW, the umpire takes his time and then raises the finger. Maheesh Theekshana has a chat with his partner and takes the review. The replay shows no bat involved and Ball Tracking indicates three reds. Sri Lanka lose Theekshana as well as the review!

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Maheesh Theekshana, Josh Hazlewood ends the over with another good bumper, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana once again ducks underneath it.

Josh Hazlewood to Maheesh Theekshana, Length again but down the leg side this time, Maheesh Theekshana leaves it alone. It is called a wide.

Josh Hazlewood to Maheesh Theekshana, Josh Hazlewood lands this on a hard length and around off, Maheesh Theekshana lets it go to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to Maheesh Theekshana, Touch fuller and on off, Maheesh Theekshana taps it straight towards point.

Josh Hazlewood to Maheesh Theekshana, Josh Hazlewood bangs in a bouncer this time, on middle, Maheesh Theekshana gets hurried but ducks under it well.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, On a length and on off, Charith Asalanka guides it towards third man for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length and around off, Charith Asalanka keeps it out to the off side.

Maheesh Theekshana walks out to bat.

Adam Zampa to Chamika Karunaratne, OUT! LBW! Adam Zampa strikes again! He has his third wicket of the game as Chamika Karunaratne goes back without making much impact. Zampa bowls a googly this time, full and on middle, turning in a bit, Chamika Karunaratne prods forward to defend but his bat gets stuck on his pads and he plays down the wrong line too. As a result, he gets rapped around his pads right in front of the stumps. There is a huge shout for LBW, and up goes the finger. Chamika Karunaratne opts against the review and Sri Lanka are seven down now!

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Flighted, full and around off, Charith Asalanka leans on and drags it towards long off for one.

Adam Zampa to Chamika Karunaratne, Quicker one, full and on leg, Chamika Karunaratne works it through square leg for a run.

Adam Zampa to Chamika Karunaratne, Flatter, short and down the leg, Chamika Karunaratne misses his flick and the ball goes off his thigh pads behind where Josh Inglis fails to collect it on the first attempt.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Floated, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, SIX! BANG! Charith Asalanka decides to take on Adam Zampa now! This is tossed up, full and around off, Charith Asalanka gets to the pitch of it and launches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Short of a length and around off, Chamika Karunaratne dabs it towards point and calls for the run but decides against it in the end. Only one run from the over then.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Josh Hazlewood bangs in a bouncer now, sharp one too, on middle, Chamika Karunaratne ducks under it.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Back of a length and around off, Chamika Karunaratne keeps it out to the off side.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Goes fuller now, on middle, Chamika Karunaratne knocks it towards mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Length again, on off, Charith Asalanka drops it wide of short covers and scampers across for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, On a length and around off, nips away a bit, Charith Asalanka steers it towards point.

Glenn Maxwell to Chamika Karunaratne, Tossed up, around off, Chamika Karunaratne reaches out in front and clips it in front of mid-wicket.

Glenn Maxwell to Chamika Karunaratne, Flatter, full and on off, Chamika Karunaratne is solid in his defence again.

Glenn Maxwell to Chamika Karunaratne, Flighted, full and on off, Chamika Karunaratne defends it on the front foot.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Floated, full and on off, Charith Asalanka pushes it towards long off for a run.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up, full and on off, Charith Asalanka prods forward and blocks it out.

Glenn Maxwell to Chamika Karunaratne, A bit short and on middle, turning in, Chamika Karunaratne moves back and flicks it through square leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, On a length and on off, Charith Asalanka knocks it towards short covers.

Mitchell Starc to Dunith Wellalage, OUT! RUN OUT! A brilliant piece of fielding and Australia get another wicket now. Mitchell Starc serves a full toss, on middle, Dunith Wellalage drills it towards mid off and sets off for the run, but he has to go around Starc and then put in a dive in to make his ground. However, Pat Cummins is quick to pounce on the ball and hits the bullseye at the bowler's end. Marnus Labuschagne and the Aussie players look confident and the replay shows that the batter is just short of his crease. Australia are all over Sri Lanka now! As mentioned earlier, Starc held his ground after delivering the ball and Dunith, who was running in a straight line, had to turn around the bowler a bit to change his trajectory. That extra second has cost him those few centimetres. Chamika Karunaratne is the new batter for Sri Lanka.

Is that out? Pat Cummins has scored a direct hit at the non-striker's end and the Aussies are pretty confident. And yes, the replays confirm the same.

Mitchell Starc to Dunith Wellalage, Pitches this one up but outside again, Dunith Wellalage lets it go to the keeper.

Mitchell Starc to Dunith Wellalage, Short ball staright to the body lane of Dunith Wellalage, but he ducks and leaves the ball.

Mitchell Starc to Dunith Wellalage, Mitchell Starc lands this on a hard length and outside off, Dunith Wellalage offers no shot at it,

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Overpitched around off, Charith Asalanka pushes the ball to deep extra cover, single taken.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Looped up, full and on off once again, Charith Asalanka strides forward and eases it towards long off for one.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one again on leg, Charith Asalanka looks to block the ball but the ball thumps the pad, not much of an appeal from Glenn Maxwell as the ball was missing leg stump.

Glenn Maxwell to Dunith Wellalage, Flighted, full and around off, Dunith Wellalage drives it towards deep point for a run.

Glenn Maxwell to Dunith Wellalage, Flater this time on middle and leg, Dunith Wellalage dabs the ball on the leg side. The zing bails light up and Glenn Maxwell thinks that Wellalage has knocked them off his leg but Josh Inglis signals that he had accidentally disturbed the gloves with his gloves.

Glenn Maxwell to Dunith Wellalage, Floated, full and on off, Dunith Wellalage pushes it towards short covers,

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Tossed up on off, Charith Asalanka drives the ball in front of long off, single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Dunith Wellalage, Back of a length and outside off, angling away, Dunith Wellalage looks to cut it away but misses.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Pitched up this time on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka tucks the ball to the deep square leg region for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Dunith Wellalage, Pitched up and around off, Dunith Wellalage drives it through covers for a run and gets off the mark.

Dunith Wellalage is the new man in.

Mitchell Starc to Dhananjaya de Silva, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Mitchell Starc strikes straightaway after the rain stoppage! A break in play once again proves to be useful for the fielding side. Starc lands this one on a good length and on the sixth stump line, Dhananjaya de Silva tries to push it away without much footwork and only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. Sri Lanka lose half their side now and is in a lot of trouble!

Mitchell Starc to Dhananjaya de Silva, Mitchell Starc starts with a full delivery after the break, angling in, Dhananjaya de Silva turns it towards short mid-wicket.

All in readiness for the play to restart. No overs have been lost. The two umpires and players have made their way out to the middle. Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva are all set to resume their innings. Mitchell Starc is at the top of his mark and is raring to go. Let's play…

UPDATE – 5.01 pm IST (11.31 am GMT) – There is positive news coming from the middle as the covers are being peeled off now. The two umpires walk out to the ground to check on the outfield while the super-soppers are working around as well. The wait should not be long.

UPDATE – 4.42 pm IST (11.12 am GMT) – Oh, dear! The clouds have opened up and it has started to drizzle. The ground staff come charging in with the covers and David Warner helps them get the covers on quickly. The square has been completely covered but let's hope that this is just a passing shower. Stay tuned for further updates.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Fuller one outside off, Charith Asalanka tries to drive the ball from the middle of cover and mid off, but great fielding by Pat Cummins at mid off saving a couple of runs for his team. Only a single.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Looped up, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka tucks it through mid-wicket for one.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Looped up, fuller, just outside off, Charith Asalanka staying back rests the ball back to Adam Zampa .

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, Flatter, short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva moves back and punches it towards long on for another run.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Tosses the ball up, low full toss, Charith Asalanka drives the ball to long on for a run.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva eases it towards long on for a single.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, FOUR! Lovely shot! Adam Zampa drags his length back and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva moves back and waits for it to cut it really late towards the deep backward point fence for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Overpitched and on middle, Charith Asalanka drives it firmly wide of mid on but the fielder there dives to his right to gather it.

Mitchell Starc to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short ball on the bodyline of Dhananjaya de Silva, he pulls the ball to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Dhananjaya de Silva, This is on a good length and just around off, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to tap it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls to the off side.

Mitchell Starc to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short ball above middle, Dhananjaya de Silva camps back and opens the bat's face to point.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Pitched up and around leg, Charith Asalanka flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Mitchell Starc serves this in the blockhole, but drifting down the leg side, Charith Asalanka misses his glance. Wided.

Mitchell Starc to Charith Asalanka, Length ball outside off, Charith Asalanka leaves the ball without taking any risk.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short and turning away, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva dabs it from the crease to point.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, Fuller again on the middle, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks the ball to the left of mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, Short and sliding onto the pads, Dhananjaya de Silva misses the tuck and gets hit on the front pad.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, Tossed up on the middle, De Silva camps back and drives the ball to mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to Dhananjaya de Silva, No hat-trick for Adam Zampa! Drops it too short, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva camps back and pats the ball to the right of the bowler.

Dhananjaya de Silva comes out to the middle now with Sri Lanka in a spot of bother.

Adam Zampa to Sadeera Samarawickrama, OUT! LBW! Lightning strikes twice as does Adam Zampa! Floats it up, full and on middle and leg, Sadeera Samarawickrama plays for the leg break but the ball skids on and keeps straight. Gets pinged on the front pad and up goes the finger. The front on replays show that the ball has passed close to the bat. The UltraEdge show no bat though. The Ball Tracking comes up and it shows that wickets is umpire's call. Sri Lanka have now lost both their centurions from the last game and Adam Zampa is on a hat-trick now.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, On a back of a length, outside off, Charith Asalanka goes for the cut but misses out on the connection.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Short ball on the middle, angling it outside leg-stump, Charith Asalanka tries to flick the ball to fine-leg, but the ball brushes the thigh pads of Charith Asalanka, huge appeal from the bowler but nothing from the umpire.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Pat Cummins bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Charith Asalanka sways away from it.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Length ball, around off, Asalanka defends the ball to the covers.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Full and honing in, at the stumps, Charith Asalanka drives it with a straight bat to mid on.

Pat Cummins to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pitched up, outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama drives it along the carpet to mid off and sets off for a single. Glenn Maxwell swoops in at mid off and hits at the batting end but Charith Asalanka has made his ground.

Drinks! Australia have made an excellent comeback in the match by picking three wickets in quick succession. They will look to put more pressure on the new batters now while Sri Lanka will be hoping for another partnership. An exciting phase of cricket awaits us. Also, Charith Asalanka is the next man in.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Mendis, OUT! TAKEN! Adam Zampa gets into the act now and this is a stunning grab by David Warner! A big blow for Sri Lanka as their in-form skipper departs. Zampa offers flight and bowls it on off, Kusal Mendis gets tempted in the flight and goes for the sweep. He takes the risk of hitting it against the turn and does not get on top of the bounce by rolling his wrists. Gets a top edge that goes high in the air towards deep mid-wicket where David Warner from deep square leg, runs to his left and completes a well-judged catch. His knee gets stuck in the ground as he tumbles but manages to cling on. All of a sudden, Australia have an opening.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Mendis, Looped again on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis blocks the ball to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Floated up, on middle, driven to long on for one by Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Adam Zampa to Sadeera Samarawickrama, FOUR! Excellent placement! A bit too full by Zampa, outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama stays still and drills it wide of extra cover. Times it too well and Glenn Maxwell from wide long off, cannot get on the end of it.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Mendis, Skidding on, short and on middle, the ball keeps low as well, Kusal Mendis adjusts well and pulls it in front of square for a single.

Adam Zampa to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Looped, on the middle and off, Sadeera Samarawickrama plays the ball to the covers on his back foot. They cross.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis, Quick bumper at a steep height, on off, Kusal Mendis ducks and lets the ball pass.

Pat Cummins to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Full and around off, Sadeera Samarawickrama tries to drive it through the off side but gets it off the inner half of the bat to mid on for one.

Pat Cummins to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pace taken off, on a length, on off, Sadeera Samarawickrama waits and guides it to backward point.

Pat Cummins to Sadeera Samarawickrama, Bangs it in short, outside off, Sadeera Samarawickrama sways away and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Sadeera Samarawickrama comes out to the middle now.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Pat Cummins strikes again! Sri Lanka have now lost both set openers. Comes from 'round the wicket for the left-hander and angles it in, on a good length, on off and middle, Kusal Perera stays on the back foot and tries to push it down the ground. There is no foot movement whatsoever and he ends up playing down the wrong line as the ball seams in after pitching. The ball beats him on the inside edge and crashes into the stumps.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis, Serves it on a length, wide outside off, Kusal Mendis slices it wide of point for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Mendis, Slows it up and bowls it on the pads, Kusal Perera nudges it towards deep square leg for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Drifts full and on the pads, Kusal Perera drops it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Mendis, Short and on middle, patted down to long on for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Full but down leg, Kusal Perera goes for the sweep but gets a bottom edge that rolls to short fine leg for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Looped up, around off, Kusal Perera gets on the front foot and pushes it to cover.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Tossed up, on off, Kusal Perera keeps it out off the front foot.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Short again, wide outside off, Kusal Perera extends his arms and cuts it to deep point for a single.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Much closer to off, on a back of a length, Kusal Perera steers with an open bat face but picks out backward point.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Drags the length back and bowls it around off, Kusal Perera dabs it off the back foot to point.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Kusal Perera goes down the ground now! Cummins takes pace off and bowls it on a length, outside off, Kusal Perera picks the change of pace and swings through the line. Lofts it off the toe-end and to the left of mid off for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis, Another one on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Perera steers it behind square on the off side for a single.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Short of a length and around off, Kusal Perera punched it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, On off, Kusal Perera punches it on the up and beats the diving Glenn Maxwell to his right for a single. Maxwell is angry with himself for failing to stop the ball.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Quality shot! Maxwell drops it short, outside off, Kusal Perera gets the width he needs and chops it late. Hits it right between backward point and short third man and beats David Warner in the deep to his right for a boundary.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Tossed up, on middle, Kusal Perera prods forward and keeps it out on the off side.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Mendis, Angled across, short and outside off, Kusal Mendis goes on the back foot and pushes it down to long on for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, On a length and around leg, Kusal Perera works it towards square leg for one.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Mendis, Fuller delivery around off, Kusal Mendis opens his front foot and drives the ball to his leg for a single

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Mendis, Overpitched again outside off, Kusal Mendis opens the bat phase and pushes the ball to backward point for a run

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Mendis, Fuller now just outside off, Kusal Mendis rets the ball to the cover, no run

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Slower ball on the body line of Kusal Perera, he pulls the ball to deep square for a single

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Better length from Hazlewood, length ball delivered just outside off pole, Perera swings and misses

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Short again and four again! Hazlewood tries the short delivery again, on off, Kusal Perera gets the ball at a good height and hammers the pull past mid-wicket for four more runs.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Short and dismissed! Josh Hazlewood goes short now without much pace, Kusal Perera gets into a good position and pulls it to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Quick single! Shortish delivery, Kusal Perera fetches it from outside off and drags the pull in front of mid on and scampers across for a quick single. The fielder misses the shy at the batting end, allowing Kusal Mendis to make his ground.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis, Angling into the pads, on a length, Kusal Mendis helps it down to fine leg and opens his account with a single.

Kusal Mendis walks out to bat at number 3.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Pat Cummins gets the breakthrough for Australia! Bowls the effort ball this time does Cummins as he goes into the wicket, near the right shoulder of the batter. Gets extra purchase from the surface as Pathum Nissanka hangs on the back foot to pull. The ball gets big on him and he fails to roll his wrist to control the pull. Hits it in the air towards deep square leg where David Warner covers good ground and puts in a dive to his left to make a tough catch look easy. End of a fine knock by Nissanka.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Hammered! Cummins bangs it in short, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and does not bother to keep the ball along the ground. Pulls it in front of square on the leg side and picks up a boundary to the deep mid-wicket region.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Rolls his fingers over the ball and serves it fuller in length, on off, Pathum Nissanka waits for the ball to arrive and steers it towards backward point.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Pitched up by Cummins from over the wicket, on off, Pathum Nissanka drives firmly with a straight bat but picks out mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Angles it away, on a length, outside off, Kusal Perera goes for a swipe across the line but the ball sneaks under his bat. It dies down as well on its way to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Into the wicket by Hazlewood, over middle, Pathum Nissanka swivels in the crease and pulls it a bit aerially towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Another back of a length, around off, Pathum Nissanka rises again and pats it without much timing to cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Much straighter this time, back of a length, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes and drops it in front of cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Cut away with ease! Hazlewood offers width, short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka hangs on the back foot and frees his arms. Cuts it hard and wide of backward point for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Returns to the attack and starts a bit too straight, on the pads, Pathum Nissanka hops and flicks it in front of deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Quicker, short and on off, Kusal Perera stays back and pushes it towards short covers.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, FIFTY FOR NISSANKA! Back-to-back fifties for him and he has continued his good form against the Aussies. Now, both openers will look to convert these into big ones. This is floated, full and on middle, turning in, Pathum Nissanka clips it through square leg for one.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Shorter in length and outside off, Kusal Perera cuts it towards deep point for another run.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Perera prods forward and defends it on the front foot.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Goes short this time, on middle, Pathum Nissanka flicks it off the back foot towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Flatter, full and on off, Kusal Perera tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Marcus Stoinis bangs in another quick bouncer now, on middle, takes off after hitting the deck, Pathum Nissanka misses out on his pull and Josh Inglis behind the stumps leaps high but only manages to parry it behind as the third man fielder mops it up. The batters cross for two byes.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Another slower delivery, length again, on middle, Pathum Nissanka dead-bats it down the pitch.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, On a length and around leg, Kusal Perera flicks it towards deep square leg for one.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, FOUR! FIFTY FOR PERERA! This has been a lovely knock from him and he gets his first half-century in this competition. Marcus Stoinis serves a slower delivery, full and on off, Kusal Perera waits for it and swats it over the bowler and towards the long on fence for a boundary.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Full again and around leg, Pathum Nissanka clips it through square leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller one and on middle, Pathum Nissanka keeps it out to the leg side.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Goes short and around off, Kusal Perera moves back and pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A googly now, short and on middle, Kusal Perera works it towards short mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Darts this one full but down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to paddle it away but misses. Wided. 100 up for Sri Lanka and that means a century-run stand between the openers.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Slower through the air, on middle, Kusal Perera looks to work it away but gets a leading edge towards short third man.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Tossed up, full and around off, Kusal Perera slices it in the air but manages to get enough power to go over extra cover for a couple of runs.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, Floated, full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka drills it towards long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, Short and around off, Pathum Nissanka moves back and punches it towards short covers.

Halt! Kusal Perera has taken a blow near the badge of his helmet and looks shaken by it. Two physios are out, performing the concussion assessment and this does not look good for Perera. Right then, he seems fine to continue despite the initial scare and we are all good to go now.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Ouch! That must have hurt! Marcus Stoinis bangs in a sharp bouncer now, on middle, Kusal Perera is not at all expecting that and gets hurried onto his pull shot. He misses and gets hit hard on the helmet. He straightaway takes it off and looks a bit weathered by it.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Short of a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it through square leg for one.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Fantastic effort in the field! Marcus Stoinis lands this back of a length and on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it hard and just over short mid-wicket where Marnus Labuschagne leaps up with his right hand up in the air but it comes at him a bit too fast and deflects off his hand to the deep. Two runs taken.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, On a length and on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka pats it down towards short mid-wicket.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, A slower one now, full and on leg, Kusal Perera works it through backward square leg for a run.

Marcus Stoinis to Pathum Nissanka, Marcus Stoinis begins with a short delivery, on middle, Pathum Nissanka pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Floated, full and on middle, Kusal Perera turns it wide of square leg and takes a few steps forward for the run but is sent back, Marnus Labuschagne hits the stumps at the batter's end but Perera is well in. The replay shows the same.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Fires in a yorker now, on off, Kusal Perera digs it out wide of short covers where the fielder dives to his left to stop it.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Short again and around leg, Kusal Perera moves back and clips it towards square leg.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A bit short now, on off, angling away, Kusal Perera keeps it out to the off side.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Nicely played! This is tossed up, full and around middle, Kusal Perera goes down on one knee and heaves it away towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Darts this one full and on the leg stump line again, Kusal Perera goes down and paddles it wide of fine leg for a brace.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Flatter delivery, short but down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to pull it away but misses. It is called a wide.

Drinks break! This has been a solid start for Sri Lanka. Both Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera have looked at ease in the middle and are laying a solid foundation. As far as Australia are concerned, they have bowled too full and too straight at times, which has resulted in them conceding the boundaries. Adam Zampa hasn't started well but will have to come back strong and provide a breakthrough for his side.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, A full toss now, on middle, Kusal Perera drills it well wide of mid on but Glenn Maxwell runs to his right quickly and dives to make a brilliant stop. They cross.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length and around leg this time, Pathum Nissanka nudges it through backward square leg for one.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, On a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka pushes it towards mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Fullish and outside off, Kusal Perera looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge towards third man for a run.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, This is pitched up and around middle, angling in, Kusal Perera flicks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Mitchell Starc loses his line and serves this full and down the leg side, Kusal Perera leaves it alone. Wided.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller one and around off, Pathum Nissanka drives it towards mid off for a quick single.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, A googly now, on middle, turning in, Pathum Nissanka watches it through and punches it towards long on for one.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, Floated, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka drives it straight to short covers.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, Quicker, short and around off, Pathum Nissanka punches it towards covers.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Powered away! This is tossed up nicely, full and on off, Pathum Nissanka stays in his creases and smacks it past the bowler towards the vacant long on fence for another boundary.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter, full and outside off, Pathum Nissanka leaves it alone.

Adam Zampa to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Pathum Nissanka greets Adam Zampa with a boundary! Zampa starts with a short delivery and around off, Pathum Nissanka rocks back quickly and slaps it wide of mid on for four runs.

A change in bowling as Adam Zampa comes on to bowl, replacing Glenn Maxwell.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Mitchell Starc bangs this short and around off, Pathum Nissanka pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for another run.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Pulls his length back a bit, on middle, shaping in, Pathum Nissanka blocks it out well down the pitch.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Pitched up and around leg, Kusal Perera flicks it uppishly but safely towards deep square leg for a run.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Easy pickings! Mitchell Starc serves this a bit too full and too straight, angling in as well, Kusal Perera just tickles it towards the fine leg fence giving no chance to the fielder in deep as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Nice change of pace! Starc bowls this fuller and on off, slower one, Kusal Perera is early into his defensive push and misses it completely.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, On a length and around off, Pathum Nissanka runs it down to third man for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Darts this one full and on middle, Pathum Nissanka knocks it towards long on for one more.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Flatter, short and around leg, Kusal Perera flicks it off the back foot towards backward square leg for one.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Pushed through quicker, full and angling into leg, Kusal Perera tries to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Goes short again and on middle, Pathum Nissanka moves back and punches it towards long on for a run.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Tossed up, full and on middle, Kusal Perera clips it through square leg for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Shorter in length and outside off, Kusal Perera rocks back and cuts it hard towards the deep point fence where David Warner covers a lot of ground to his right and dives to keep it inside. Two runs taken.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Pat Cummins gets the bouncer right this time, on middle, Pathum Nissanka gets a bit hurried as he mistimes his pull shot wide of mid-wicket.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Tries to go short but this one keeps a bit low, on middle, Kusal Perera heaves it towards fine leg for a run.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Pat Cummins goes wide of the crease and bowls this on a good length, on off, shaping away a bit, Pathum Nissanka steers it wide of point for a single.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Fine shot! Pat Cummins lands this back of a length and outside off, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce well and crunches it through point for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Pulls his length back this time, on middle again, Pathum Nissanka keeps it out down the pitch.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller one and on middle, angling in, Pathum Nissanka tucks it towards short mid-wicket,

Powerplay 2! Australia can now have up to 4 players outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Slows it up a touch and bowls it short, around off, Kusal Perera punches it off the back foot but straight to extra cover.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Short and outside off, Kusal Perera rocks back and cuts it well but straight to point.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, A confident appeal for LBW by Glenn Maxwell but the umpire says no! Serves it short and sliding on the pads, Kusal Perera gets inside the line to help it fine on the leg side but misses and gets hit on the front pad. The keeper does not look as convinced as Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins opts not to review. Now then, the replays show that it is three reds on Ball Tracking. A huge chance missed by Australia.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Fuller in length, on middle, Kusal Perera prods forward and defends it out solidly.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Compensates this time and drops it short, on middle, Kusal Perera keeps it out on the leg side.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Not in control but Kusal Perera has a boundary! Tossed up, on middle, Kusal Perera gets down and goes for the sweep. He fails to roll his wrist and the extra bounce results in a top edge that goes over the keeper and wide of short fine leg for a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Fuller in length and drifting onto the pads, Pathum Nissanka clips it nicely off the front foot and in front of Adam Zampa at deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, A bit too straight, on a back of a length, on the pads, Kusal Perera nurdles it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Short of a length, outside off, Kusal Perera stands tall and punches without much timing to cover.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, Keeps it on a back of a length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka runs it down to third man for a single.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, At the batter, on a back of a length, Kusal Perera drops it in the vacant mid-wicket region for a single.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Gets this one to angled away, on a length, outside off, Kusal Perera swings across the line but misses as the ball sneaks under his bat.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Shorter and outside off, punched off the back foot to cover.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, DROPPED! A healthy deviation but a chance nonetheless! Maxwell bowls it short, around off, Pathum Nissanka waits on the back foot to defend. Nissanka plays for the turn but the ball keeps straight and he gets an outside edge. Josh Inglis fails to get his gloves in the correct position and the ball deflects off his right glove to the short third man region.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Beaten! Short and outside off, Pathum Nissanka rocks back to cut this one but the ball skids and keeps tad low and he fails to get it away.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Leg bye! Switches to 'round the wicket for the left-hander and fires it on the pads, Kusal Perera fails to get any bat on the tickle. The ball rolls off his pads to short fine leg for a run.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Keeps it short, on middle, Pathum Nissanka punches it to the right of mid on and calls his partner for a single.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, Much better! Turning in, short and on off, Pathum Nissanka makes room to cut it away on the off side but the ball spins in and hits the splice of the bat.

Glenn Maxwell to Pathum Nissanka, WIDE! Starts off with a drag down, way down leg, Pathum Nissanka leaves it alone for a wide.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, At the batter, on a good length, Kusal Perera tucks it from the crease in front of square leg. He wants a single but gets sent back by his partner.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, On a hard length, on off, Kusal Perera stands tall to punch it through the off side. He gets an inside edge that rolls on the leg side.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Fuller in length, angling across, just outside off, Kusal Perera goes for a swipe across the line without any foot movement and gets beaten again.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Gets this one to angle away, closer to off, on a good length, Kusal Perera shapes to cut but the ball is too close to cut and he gets beaten by the bounce on this occasion.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, WIDE! Tries to go full but hurls it down leg, Kusal Perera looks to help it fine but misses out. Wided.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Much straighter this time, on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Perera camps back and dabs it along the ground to point.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Kusal Perera greets Pat Cummins with a boundary! Starts off with a loosened, on a length, but down leg, Kusal Perera gets inside the line and tickles it towards the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Just In – It is now official that cricket will be part of the 2028 Olympics which will be held in Los Angeles. Also, Pat Cummins brings himself into the attack now.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Short of a good length, on off, Pathum Nissanka stabs it off the back foot on the off side for another dot.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Shortish delivery, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets cramped for room and keeps it out onto the deck.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Good-length delivery, on off, Kusal Perera drives it on the up to the right of wide mid off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Short and punished! Serves a bumper, on off, the ball sits up nicely for Kusal Perera who controls the pull well and hits it behind square on the leg side. Adam Zampa at fine leg sprints to his right but fails to cut off the boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Slanting in, on middle and leg, on a good length, Pathum Nissanka gets on top of the bounce and whips it in front of square. The mid-wicket fielder performs the chase and pulls it back as the batters run three.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka stands tall and punches it away on the up to cover.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Bangs it in short, at 143.2 clicks, on off, Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes to play it fine on the off side. He bottom-edges the ball down to third man for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Pulls the length back and bowls it on middle, Pathum Nissanka camps back and hops to defend with a straight bat.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Starc misses his length again as he bowls it a bit too full and a bit wide outside off, Pathum Nissanka leans and drives it past the non-striker. The handle twists in his hand but gets enough bat on it to pick up a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Near the tramline on off, full as well, Pathum Nissanka goes for an expansive drive but toe-ends his shot a bit uppishly towards mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, That has taken off! Serves it in the corridor of uncertainty, on a good length, outside off, Pathum Nissanka lets it go. The ball rises steeply on its way to the keeper and Josh Inglis has to leap to his left to make the stop.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Full and shaping in, outside off, Pathum Nissanka does not get tempted by it and lets the ball go through.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Back of a length now, on off, Kusal Perera steers it from the crease towards point.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Into the wicket by Josh Hazlewood, outside off, Kusal Perera hangs on the back foot and goes for the pull. He misses out on the connection and the ball dies down on its way to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Angling in, at the pads, on a back of a length, Kusal Perera misses the tuck and wears it high on the front pad.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Lovely shot! This is overpitched, on off, Kusal Perera picks the length early and drills it down the ground with a straight bat. The mid off fielder is standing wide and he stands no chance as the ball races past his left.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Width offered and Kusal Perera cashes in! Hazlewood errs in line as he bowls it on a good length, wide outside off, Kusal Perera latches onto the width and slaps it past cover-point for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Hits the back of a length, on middle, Kusal Perera shapes to nudge it away on the leg side but misses. The ball jags back in a bit and catches Perera high on the thigh pad.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Starc drifts on the pads this time, full in length, Pathum Nissanka plays it right under his eyes and turns this one behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Angles it into the batter, on a length, Kusal Perera closes the bat face slightly and helps it down to fine leg. Gets off the mark with a single.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Good shot for no run! Swinging away, fuller and outside off, Kusal Perera gets half-forward and drives it firmly with the swing but straight to Steven Smith who is standing wide at mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Kusal Perera presents the full face of the bat and pats it back to Mitchell Starc.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Beauty! Starc dishes out a full delivery, shaping away, outside off, Kusal Perera gets lured into the drive and pushes away from the body. The ball goes away and zips past the outside edge of his bat.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, At 142.9 clicks, on a good length, around off, Kusal Perera stays beside the ball and blocks it out without much foot movement towards cover.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length again, on off and middle, Pathum Nissanka gets behind the line and defends it on the off side without much of a fuss.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Hazlewood hurls it full and a hint of away shape, outside off, Pathum Nissanka with a high elbow, leans and drives, only to find mid off.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, In the channel on off, on a back of a length, Pathum Nissanka shuffles and dabs it off the back foot towards backward point.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Full again but down the leg side, Kusal Perera looks to flick but misses as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. A leg bye is taken.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Goes a bit fuller this time, on middle, Kusal Perera gets behind the line of it and blocks it down the pitch.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Josh Hazlewood begins with a hard-length delivery around off, shaping further away, Kusal Perera lifts his bat and lets it go to the keeper.

Josh Hazlewood to share the attack.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Clipped away with ease! This is bowled full but the line is a bit off again, Pathum Nissanka brings his wrists into play and clips this full delivery off his pads. Hits it in front of square and picks up four more runs.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! First boundary for Pathum Nissanka and ​​​​Sri Lanka! A bit too straight by Starc as he serves it on a length but on the pads, Pathum Nissanka allows the ball to come to him and helps it wide of Adam Zampa at fine leg for a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Full and a bit of late swing in, on middle and leg, Pathum Nissanka accounts for the inward movement and pushes it to mid on.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, WIDE! Loses his radar and sprays a full delivery, down leg. Pathum Nissanka lets it go for a wide. While walking back, Starc has a chat with the umpire about Kusal Perera leaving the crease early.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Beaten! Pulls the length back and gets this one to angle away from the right-hander, Pathum Nissanka has a waft at the delivery, away from the body. He is lucky enough not to edge this one behind.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Pitches it up again in search of swing, outside off, Pathum Nissanka lifts his bat and lets the ball go through to the keeper.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Right on the money! A huge shout for LBW but it is turned down. Starc charges in from over the wicket and nails the yorker, on leg, Pathum Nissanka gets hurried but just about manages to get his bat out in front and keep it out. However, the Aussies feel that it is pad first and after a deliberation with the keeper, Pat Cummins goes for the review. The front on replays and UltraEdge confirm that it is bat first and Australia lose their review on the very first ball.

Done with the pre-match formalities! The Australian players can be seen in a huddle where Steven Smith is giving a pep talk. Now they spread out to take their respective field positions. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the two openers for Sri Lanka. Mitchell Starc has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play…

The two umpires walk out to the middle followed by the players of both sides who line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Sri Lanka's first followed by the national anthem of Australia.

The captain of Australia, Pat Cummins says they would have batted first as well but this doesn't make much difference. Adds that they have had a couple of good training sessions and it is all about being fresh for each game. Informs they are unchanged.

The skipper of Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis says that they will bat first. Mentions that the wicket will play well in the first and reckons that it will turn later. Shares that he watched the previous game between Australia and South Africa at this venue and feels that batting will be easier in the first half. Adds that they have a couple of spinners who will come into play in the second half. Informs that they have made changes to the side with Chamika Karunaratne and Lahiru Kumara coming in for Dasun Shanaka and Matheesha Pathirana ​​​​​respectively. States that is unfortunate for Dasun to miss out on such an important game. Also says that the par score will be around 290-300 and hopes that the batters can get the total.

Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) – David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (C), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne (In for Dasun Shanaka), Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara (In for Matheesha Pathirana), Dilshan Madushanka.

TOSS – Sri Lanka have won the toss and they elected to BAT first.

PITCH REPORT – Samuel Badree is pitchside. He says that the straight boundaries are the same and there is only a metre difference between the square ones. Adds the outfield is in sublime condition. Nasser Hussain joins him and says that there is not of moisture on it and there is something for both pacers and spinners. Adds that in the previous game the South African seamers hit the back of a length while the Aussies went a bit too full which they will look to change in this game. Ends by saying it is a huge game for both teams.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have lost their way since being handed a drubbing in the Asia Cup final by India. They had a far-from-ideal start to the World Cup with back-to-back losses and are in a similar position as Australia. In what has come as a massive blow to their preparations, skipper Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out due to a quadriceps tear. The positive for them is that they have been able to breach the 300-run mark twice, and it has been the bowlers that have failed to complement the batters. Considering Matheesha Pathirana's ineffectiveness, we might see Kasun Rajitha returning to the side and partnering Maheesh Theekshana with the new ball. Being handed over the reins now, Kusal Mendis will be expected to lead from the front. Who are you backing to register their first win? Stay tuned as the toss and team news is coming up in a bit. 

Coming into the World Cup, Australia were labelled as one of the favourites, but the five-time winners have failed to live up to the tag so far. In the two games played, the batters have let the team down, failing to cross 200 on both occasions. The experienced trio of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steven Smith will have to put their hands up and pull the team out of this batting crisis. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have done a decent job with the ball, while Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa have leaked runs aplenty in the two games. What has made matters worse for them is that they have been lacklustre in the field and will have to convert half chances in this game.

Hello and a warm welcome, folks! The 2023 ODI World Cup has lift off with last night's result in Delhi. Afghanistan pulled off one of, if not the greatest, upsets in World Cup history by beating the defending champions and white-ball powerhouse, England. We now shift our focus to Lucknow, where Australia and Sri Lanka square off at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. This is going to be a clash between two teams who are yet to get off the mark in the competition, and a loss here for either side will heavily dent their chances of progressing further.

… MATCH DAY …

In a tournament that offers nine group-stage matches, leaving ample room for an occasional slip-up, the last situation you'd desire is a disheartening 0-3 record early on. Yet, this is the predicament that looms over either Australia or Sri Lanka as they lock horns in Lucknow, a pivotal clash for both sides, brimming with the weight of retaining their hopes for a spot in the semifinals. The beginning of this tournament has been grueling for both teams, but a victory in this encounter could serve as a beacon of hope, reigniting their ambitions to claim one of the top four positions. Australia, bearing its illustrious World Cup legacy, is grappling with glaring issues that have caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Faced with the daunting challenge of taking on the hosts, India, and a surging South Africa at the outset of the competition, Australia have fallen far short of their usually high standards in all three facets of the game. On the flip side, Sri Lanka have managed to amass runs effectively, surpassing the 300-run mark against both South Africa and Pakistan. However, their persistent dilemma has been a propensity to concede runs at an even higher rate – they've relinquished 773 runs in 98.2 overs across two matches at an alarming economy rate of 7.86 runs per over. This imbalance in performance has proved detrimental, even with Kusal Mendis's brilliant century against Pakistan. Adding to Sri Lanka's challenges is the loss of their captain, Dasun Shanaka, who's been ruled out of the tournament due to injury. Consequently, the captaincy baton now rests on Kusal Mendis' shoulders. Yet, despite the trial by fire their bowlers have endured, the spinners within the Sri Lankan ranks will harbor aspirations of making a substantial impact against Australia. In an unusual move, Australia made two changes to their lineup after just one match, with the omission of Cameron Green, although this decision had been expected, and the notable exclusion of Alex Carey. Their 14-player squad currently competes without the services of Travis Head, who is yet to join the group. Among those players, Sean Abbott is the sole member yet to feature in the tournament. Of pressing concern is the Australian batting lineup, which is yet to witness a fifty-run contribution from any player. Presently, Australia hold the dubious distinction of possessing the lowest batting average among all the teams in the tournament, standing at 18.80. Furthermore, they've struggled to reach the 200-run milestone in their initial two outings. In their most recent ODI encounters, taking place in mid-2022 during a five-match series, Sri Lanka emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline. Australia made a calculated gamble in their final squad selection by opting not to replace Ashton Agar with a like-for-like player. Although Glenn Maxwell has performed admirably with his part-time off spin, Australia's struggles have been exacerbated by a rare downturn in form for Adam Zampa. Following his impressive performance of 4 for 48 in Bloemfontein, Zampa's fortunes have dwindled, accumulating 7 wickets while conceding 430 runs, bearing an economy rate of 7.41 across six games. On a contrasting note, Kusal Mendis' form is nothing short of spectacular. When including his warm-up innings against Afghanistan, he's compiled an impressive 356 runs in his last three innings. This tally features a career-best 122 off 77 balls against Pakistan in ODIs. Nonetheless, a critical question lingers over whether Mendis can sustain his fluid, aggressive style amidst the added responsibilities of captaincy and perhaps the burdensome role of wicketkeeping. He boasts a commendable one-day record against Australia, with an average of 50.33 from 11 innings. As for the playing surface at the Ekana Stadium, it has displayed an evolving character throughout the matches, offering a degree of difficulty as the game progresses. During the Australia vs. South Africa encounter, the pitch exhibited traits favorable to the quick bowlers in the latter stages. These conditions might influence the captain winning the toss in their decision-making regarding batting or bowling. Interestingly, Pat Cummins and Dasun Shanaka, prior to his injury, had both secured the toss on different occasions and made different choices each time, with their teams suffering defeat on both occasions. Therefore, the captains may opt to leave this pivotal decision to fate. Adding to the equation is the expectation of another scorching day in Lucknow, further increasing the challenges for the competing teams.