Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj and batters' power show steered India to a resounding 302-run victory against Sri Lanka in the 32nd match of the World Cup at the Wankhede Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
This victory not only marked India's seventh consecutive win in this year's 50-over tournament but also secured their spot as the first team to book a semi-final berth.
The match witnessed one of India's most dominant performances, with Sri Lanka's batting lineup crumbling in less than 20 overs while attempting to chase a formidable 358-run target. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, this loss dealt a severe blow to their remaining hopes of progressing to the knockout stages, as it marked their fifth defeat in seven matches.
Sri Lanka's pursuit got off to a disastrous start, with Jasprit Bumrah taking a wicket on the very first delivery. Mohammed Siraj then followed up with three quick wickets, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at just four for three runs.
Mohammed Shami, joining the attack, achieved a five-wicket haul, ensuring India's relentless march forward. Shami concluded with figures of 5-18, while Siraj contributed with 3-16, leading to Sri Lanka's abysmal total of 55—their lowest in a 50-over World Cup.
Earlier in the match, India's Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill played commanding innings, forming a second-wicket partnership of 189 and propelling the hosts to a formidable total of 357 for eight.
Following the dismissals of Kohli and Gill in quick succession by left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka, India's number four, Shreyas Iyer, provided a late surge to the innings with a blazing 56-ball 82. Iyer's innings included three fours and six towering sixes. Madushanka, who eventually took five wickets for 80 runs, claimed his first five-wicket haul in the format by dismissing the local star.
Sri Lanka gained an early advantage when they won the toss and opted to bowl on a sweltering day at the Wankhede Stadium. The dream start was orchestrated by Madushanka, who removed the in-form India captain, Rohit Sharma, with just the second ball of the inning.
Kohli went on to make 88 runs off 94 balls, while Gill scored a brisk 92 off just as many deliveries, subjecting the Sri Lankan bowlers to a relentless assault. Gill even survived a dropped catch when he was just eight runs into his innings, while Kohli also received an early reprieve when he was on 10. This partnership set the stage for India's emphatic victory and their entry into the semi-finals of the World Cup.
