Australia vs Sri Lanka: Strong winds in Lucknow damage hoardings in stadium, spectators rush for safety

The weather suddenly turned violent at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on 16 October. Just as the Sri Lankan innings was about to end, strong winds gushed right across the stadium and sent hoardings flying, and prompted spectators to seek shelter.

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Australia, looking to open their account in the 2023 World Cup, finally came to the show and put in an impressive performance against Sri Lanka. Their bowlers, led by spinner Adam Zampa, managed to dismiss Sri Lanka for a modest total of 209. Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka, with their scores of 78 and 61 respectively, gave Sri Lanka a solid start but a middle order collapse saw Sri Lanka lose their ascendancy.

The Australian team fought back during the middle overs, particularly thanks to the efforts of skipper Pat Cummins. Cummins broke the opening partnership, and then Zampa stepped up by picking up four key wickets and finishing with figures of 4-47.

After the innings break, an unexpected challenge took centre stage as strong, sweeping winds disrupted the game. These gusts were powerful enough to uproot hoardings and sent them tumbling to the ground. A safety announcement had to be made over the public address system, that asked the spectators in the lower tiers to move to higher seats for their own safety.

Due to strong winds, hoardings are falling all over Lucknow's Ekana Stadium.
Spectators running for safety.#CWC23 #AUSvSL #WorldCup2023 #Lucknow @BCCI @ICC pls remove these banners before the next match. pic.twitter.com/xxoqK775jK

— Ali Taabish Nomani (@atnomani) October 16, 2023

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Following a brief consultation among Australian skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and the on-field umpire, the ground was cleared, and the match resumed. Despite the delay, no overs were reduced and the game continued as planned.

Australia’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding allowed them to make a strong comeback, ultimately limiting Sri Lanka to a total of 209 runs. Zampa was impressive in his spell and picked up his 10th four-wicket haul in ODIs, a feat that places him just below the legendary Shane Warne.

World Cup: Zampa architects Australia’s first win and Sri Lanka’s collapse

Charith Asalanka showed determination with a gritty 25 runs off 39 balls. But this was not enough as Australia cruised to the target in the 36th over with 5 wickets in hand.