CWC 2023: Hoardings fall in crowd due to strong wind in Lucknow stadium during AUS vs SL clash

The Match 14 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between Australia and Sri Lanka was halted by rain and strong winds on Monday, October 16 in Lucknow. After Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bat first, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 209 despite a great start. During the final stages of their innings, heavy winds were blowing in the Ekana Stadium which even led to the hoardings falling in the crowd. Thankfully, none of the fans were hurt and the groundstaff acted quickly to avert any accidents.

The spectators were evacuated and the staff mopped up things quickly to make the ground ready again for the second innings. Several World Cup brandings were also tangled and torn apart due to the wind but were cleared quickly by the ground staff.

Also Check: David Warner helps groundstaff bring covers in Lucknow

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

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka got off to a great start as their openers Pathum Nissanka (61 off 67) and Kusal Perera (78 off 82) added 125 runs for the first wicket off 130 balls. Australian captain Pat Cummins got the first wicket for his side as he dismissed Nissanka off a short ball in the 22^nd over.

Perera also followed him a few overs later losing his stumps against Pat Cummins. Following their dismissals, Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic collapse as Adam Zampa spun a web around them. The wrist-spinner picked up the scalps of Kusal Mendis (9 off 13), Sadeera Samarawickrama (8 off 8), Chamika Karunaratne (2 off 11) and Maheesh Theekshana (0 off 5) to register figures of 4/47 in eight overs.

Australia lose two wickets early in their chase

Courtesy of his spell, Sri Lanka went from 157/1 to 209 all out in 43.3 overs. Pat Cummins (2/32) and Mitchell Starc (2/43, 10 overs) also picked up two wickets each while Glenn Maxwell picked up one wicket giving away 36 runs in 9.3 overs.

Also Check: Mitchell Starc warns Kusal Perera twice after batter moves out of crease early at non-striker's end

Meanwhile, Australia lost two wickets early on in their chase as they were left reeling at 24/2 in four overs. David Warner (11 off 6) and Steve Smith (0 off 5) both lost their wickets against Dilshan Madushanka.