The defending champion beat former champion Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Monday.

Chasing Sri Lanka’s 209 runs, the champion reached the target in 35.2 overs by losing 5 wickets.      

Lankan bowler Dilshan Madushanka bagged 3 wickets while Dunith Wellalage got one wicket.   

In the first innings, Sri Lanka posted 209 runs in 43.3 overs by losing all wickets.

Two openers -- Kusal Perera scored 78 runs off 82 balls and Pathum Nissanka scored 61 runs off 67 balls.

Australian wrist spinner Adam Zampa bagged 4 wickets while two pacers -- Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins got 2 wickets each.

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first.

Adam Zampa has become the player of the match.

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul