Cricket world turns on Sri Lanka amid 'pathetic' scenes against India

Sri Lanka has been consigned to some unwanted cricket history after copping a 302-run hiding against a rampant India at the World Cup. The tournament hosts and favourites made a mockery of Sri Lanka's decision to send them into bat after piling on 8-357, before bowling the Sri Lankans out for just 55 runs to complete the one-sided rout.

The embarrassing total was Sri Lanka's lowest ever in a 50-over World Cup and the fourth-lowest of all-time. Canada has the unfortunate distinction of holding the record for the lowest total in World Cup history after being skilled for 36 against Sri Lanka in 2003.

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The defeat against India all but ends Sri Lanka's hopes of making the knockout stages after their fifth defeat from seven matches. In contrast, India become the first side to book its place in the last four after making it seven wins from as many matches for the host nation.

Set a World Cup record of 358 to win in Mumbai, Sri Lanka's chase got off to a horrible start, with India's Jasprit Bumrah picking up a wicket off the very first ball. Mohammed Siraj picked up the next three wickets to leave the Sri Lankans reeling at 4-3.

Mohammed Shami - the pick of India's pace trio - then came into the attack to decimate Sri Lanka's batting order. Shami bagged a five-wicket haul, finishing with 5-18 to ensure the Indian juggernaut rolled on.

Siraj ended with figures of 3-16 and Ravindra Jaedeja also picked up one wicket to end Sri Lanka's chase in under 20 overs. The disastrous batting display under the lights in Mumbai made the decision of Sri Lanka's captain Kusal Mendis to bat second all the more questionable.

"We had reasons for wanting to bowl first, the wicket was a bit slow," Mendis said after the match. "Unfortunately, there was then a little bit of seam and swing which made it difficult to play at night."

Mendis's decision to field in the sweltering heat also surprised the tournament hosts. "I think we got lucky," Iyer told reporters when asked about Sri Lanka's decision. "When they won the toss, we were thinking that they would be batting first, especially when you come to Wankhede and play on such a brilliant track."

Sri Lanka crucified over 'pathetic' display

Shockingly, Sri Lanka's total of 55 was not even their lowest of the year, having been bowled out for 50 against India in the Asian Cup final. The cricket world was quick to condemn the team for their latest horror show in Mumbai, with many describing it as "embarrassing" and pathetic".

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill star with the bat

India's Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill set up the massive win with commanding fifties and combined in a second-wicket stand of 189. After Kohli (88 runs) and Gill (92) fell to left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka in quick succession, India's number four Shreyas Iyer provided the late flourish to the innings with a 56-ball 82.

Gill survived a dropped catch on eight while Kohli also got an early reprieve on 10 during his knock. Kohli fell short of matching India legend Sachin Tendulkar's all-time record of 49 ODI centuries, although the master batter did break one of Tendulkar's records after surpassing 1000 ODI runs in a calendar year for the eighth time.

"We're very happy knowing we have officially qualified," India captain Rohit Sharma said after seeing his side clinch a semi-final spot. "It's been a good effort from the entire squad, it has been clinical, we've wanted individuals to put their hands up."

LOWEST TOTALS IN CRICKET WORLD CUP HISTORY

36-Canada v Sri Lanka, Paarl, 2003

45-Canada v England, Manchester, 1979

45-Namibia v Australia, Potchefstroom, 2003

55-Sri Lanka v India, Mumbai, 2023

with AAP

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