The Australian cricketers Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell observed the incident with evident astonishment from a distance. Fortunately, none of the spectators sustained any injuries. Recovering from a solid opening partnership that Sri Lanka had established, Australia caused a dramatic batting collapse in a crucial game for both teams in the 2023 World Cup.
However, during the latter part of the Sri Lanka innings, the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow experienced conditions reminiscent of a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie when a dust storm temporarily halted the match on Monday.
Australian players appeared surprised as World Cup banners fell into the stands
Scary scenes at Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
Hoardings are falling and fans running for cover. #AUSvSL #AUSvsSL
🎥/Atnomani pic.twitter.com/7kwVsSbMn0— Ishan Joshi (@ishanjoshii) October 16, 2023
This occurred during the 43rd over of Sri Lanka’s innings when the 1996 World Cup champions had managed to reach just above the 200-run mark with the loss of nine wickets. The wind in Lucknow had intensified and appeared to be quite turbulent. As a result, the on-field umpires were advised to temporarily halt the match.
The winds were so powerful that the World Cup banners attached to the roof of the Lucknow stadium came loose and fell into the stands, along with other items, causing spectators to rush to find safety. Cameras also captured Australian cricketers Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell watching the incident from a distance with obvious astonishment. Thankfully, none of the spectators were harmed.
Sri Lanka had a remarkable start to the match, with openers Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka each achieving their half-centuries during a 125-run partnership. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, was the one to make a crucial breakthrough in the 22nd over by dismissing Nissanka, and then Adam Zampa went on to dismantle the Sri Lankan batting lineup with an impressive four-wicket performance.
This marked Zampa’s 10th time achieving a four-wicket haul in ODIs, with only the late great Shane Warne having more such hauls among Australians. Charith Asalanka made an effort to counteract the batting collapse with a determined innings, scoring 25 runs off 39 balls.
However, he didn’t receive much support, as none of the other batsmen managed to score more than 10 runs. As a result, Sri Lanka’s innings concluded at 209 runs in 43.3 overs.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.