The Sri Lankan cricket faithful were seen in absolute disbelief the day their board announced the 15-man squad for the 2019 ICC World Cup. Apart from the fact that several veterans were dropped, a certain Dimuth Karunaratne was named the skipper after Lasith Malinga was asked to step down.

The quarrel after all had a valid point. Karunaratne hadn’t played a single ODI since the 2015 World Cup and had only 17 ODIs to show for where he averaged a lowly 15.83, with his highest score being a mere 60.

Karunaratne, an out-an-out Test player, had just guided the Islanders to a historic 2-0 Test series whitewash against South Africa (in South Africa) in February early this year to make them the only Asian side to win a Test series in the region. And thus, his appointment as a new captain was solely based on his performances in the longest format of the game. Not many had expected him to be Lanka’s guiding light during the World Cup given the fact that the team �in the ODIs �wasn’t performing anyway. In fact, the Lankan Lions had won just two of their 11 ODIs in 2019.

His team might have struggled, but #DimuthKarunaratne had a day to remember against New Zealand �he became only the second player to carry his bat in a World Cup match!

West Indies' Ridley Jacobs was the first, scoring 49* against Australia in 1999.#CWC19 pic.twitter.com/oOswIpvrV0

�Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 1, 2019

Heading into the World Cup, Sri Lanka had nothing to lose. They started their conquest against the mighty New Zealand and while the entire batting crumbled, a certain Karunaratne stood out, scoring an unbeaten 52 off 84 deliveries. Although it came at a losing cause, he became only the second player to carry the bat in a World Cup game after West Indies�Ridley Jacobs. His record also extended the national figures as he became the second Sri Lankan captain to do the aforementioned in the ODIs after Upul Tharanga’s antics in 2017.

And following a win over Afghanistan in their second World Cup fixture, it was time for a stern Australian challenge at The Oval on Saturday. For the skipper, he was aware what Australia had in store for them. “We know they are going to go really hard against us, but they can only bowl two bouncers an over so we can be ready for those things,�he had said on the eve of that tie.

Winning the toss and opting to bowl saw Australia crushing the Lankan plans to mere perfection. The defending champions posted a whopping 334 on board and it was time for their bowlers to make an impact. Little did they know though that the moisture had parched with the sunshine and the likes of Karunaratne and Kusal Perera were braced to wreak havoc.

A partnership of 115 runs meant that Australia’s blueprint had taken a massive hit. Their approach of not going with a front-line spinner backfired as all of their four quicks stumbled to pick wickets and conceded heavy. As for Karunaratne, he was attacking from all fronts given that his side had less to lose. The crowd was getting on feats with every boundary their captain was smashing.

Completing his half-century off mere 43 deliveries, the skipper raised the roof with his mere perfect shot selections. He wasn’t an ‘out-an-out�Test player anymore. He rather deemed like an experienced ODI campaigner who was just toying with the Australian pace battery as if he is used to it.

And although he missed his maiden ODI century by just three runs, he established himself in the league of greats. His 108-ball 97 made him the highest scorer against Australia in a World Cup game as a Sri Lanka captain. Overall, his figures are now only the third best (as a captain) against the defending champions in the World Cup.

Sri Lanka, with five points after five games in the tournament, sit fifth in the table and although their chances of getting a place in the semis look bleak, it is safe to say they have found their savior in the most unlikely personnel.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington

Aaron Finch talked of the mental and technical struggles he faced after confirming his return to top form with a decisive innings of 153 in Australia's World Cup win over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

The Australia captain equalled his best one-day international score with a blistering 132-ball masterclass at the Oval, dismantling the Sri Lanka attack as Australia piled up 334-7 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 247 to win by 87 runs.

It was a cathartic moment for Finch, who revealed he underwent a period of soul-searching after a poor run of form over the past year. "I started to doubt my game in the Australian summer. There were a lot of times when I was questioning every single decision I was making, technical and mental," Finch said.

"You are looking for an answer. It can be really tough at times when you are searching for that. It was a really good learning process for me. But I would have liked to have had it at 22 rather than 32. It was going back to the basics and changing my mindset to just be positive. If you get out at first slip or mid-on you are still out, so be yourself."

Finch began to snap out of his funk with some big scores in March, including an innings of 153 not out against Pakistan.

After equalling that score in difficult conditions on a cloudy day at the Oval, the modest batsman conceded it was satisfying to deliver a big score in an important victory.

"Winning the game is far more important than a personal milestone, but it was nice to get past 100 and kick on," he said.

"My technique has probably tightened up slightly. It's nice to get the reward for doing the work."

Finch paid tribute to Australia assistant coach Ricky Ponting for his role in getting his game back on track.

"Ricky has been great, for all the players, not just myself. He has been brilliant around the group," Finch said of the former Australia captain.

"He puts a lot of work in. It's great to have him around, no doubt.

"We've got some great leaders in our squad, which really helps out. I would say my influence is minimal. "It's more about everyone buying into the culture. It's a good environment to be in at the moment."

With four wins from their first five group matches, Australia are in a good position to reach the semi-finals as they bid to retain the trophy.

Their only defeat so far came against India and they are gradually coming into peak form.

Finch believes they will benefit from a few days' rest after a hectic schedule before returning to action against Bangladesh on June 20.

Hosts England remain the tournament favourites after their own strong start, with a clash against Australia looming as a pivotal group match on June 25.

"We would have taken this position at the start of the tournament. We are happy where we are sitting," Finch said.  "It's not realistic to expect to win every game in conditions like this.

"Now it's time to sit back and assess where we can improve to be standing on that Lord's balcony (in the final) on July 14."

Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Ian Kington

Australia captain Aaron Finch and pace bowler Mitchell Starc stole the show as the holders eased to an 87-run win over Sri Lanka at the Oval on Saturday.

Finch equalled his career-best one-day international score with a masterful 153 and Steve Smith chipped in with 73 as Australia scored 334-7.

Needing a World Cup record run-chase to claim a shock win, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start thanks to a first-wicket partnership of 115 between captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera.

But Perera departed for 52 and when Karunaratne fell on 97 the game swung back in Australia's direction.

Starc was the catalyst with a fiery spell of three wickets in six balls, Australia eventually dismissing Sri Lanka for 247 thanks in large part to his 4-55 from 10 overs.

Kane Richardson added three wickets of his own as Australia made it four wins from their five group matches after previously beating Afghanistan, the West Indies and Pakistan.

Their lone defeat in the 10-team tournament came against India and their latest victory puts them well on course for a semi-final berth.

Sri Lanka, who lost their last seven wickets for 42 runs, have only one win from their five matches, a disappointing run that includes two washouts.

They face a struggle to reach the semi-finals with only four matches left, a spell that features encounters with title contenders England and India.

Sri Lanka had briefly looked capable of surpassing the World Cup chase set by Ireland, who made 329-7 to beat England in 2011.

Karunaratne and his opening partner Perera blasted 24 from the first two overs and reached their fifty partnership in just the seventh over.

But Starc bowled Perera and Jason Behrendorff dismissed Lahiru Thirimanne for 16 as Australia hit back.

A six from Kusal Mendis in the 31st over signalled Sri Lanka's intent to get cracking.

But crucially Karunaratne stumbled short of his maiden World Cup century when he carelessly flicked Richardson to Glenn Maxwell at backward point.

That left Sri Lanka 186-3 and set the stage for Starc to turn the screw by dismissing Milinda Siriwardana, Thisara Perera and Mendis in quick succession.

Mendis's mistimed drive off Starc reduced Sri Lanka to 222-7 and shattered their resistance. Earlier, Finch took the Sri Lanka attack apart with a dazzling display that included 15 fours and five sixes.

He was well-supported by Smith's 73 from 59 balls and the pair put on 173 runs for the third wicket.

Together with opening partner David Warner, Finch took the attack to the Sri Lankans after being put in to bat under cloudy skies in south London.

The pair passed fifty for the opening wicket for the fourth time in five games at the World Cup.

Sri Lanka had no answer to Finch's brutal assault and by the time he departed, caught by Karunaratne off Isuru Udana, he had put Australia in a commanding position.

Maxwell's quick-fire 46 from 25 balls rubbed salt into Sri Lanka's wounds.

Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Ian Kington

Australian captain Aaron Finch equalled his highest one-day international score of 153 as he powered the title holders to 334/7 against sloppy Sri Lanka in their 2019 ICC World Cup match on Saturday.

Finch took the misfiring Sri Lanka attack apart with a dazzling display at the Oval that included 15 fours and five sixes. It was his 14th one-day international century and the second of his World Cup career.

The 32-year-old's 132-ball demolition job took him level with his previous best score of 153 against Pakistan in March. "I feel like I'm playing reasonably well," said the skipper. "When you hit a few drives early on it gives you some confidence.

"They used the big side of the ground really well and it was a bit windy so it was hard to target the small boundary. We didn't have a target in mind, we knew their death bowling would be good. We're pretty happy with what we've got, Maxy (Glenn Maxwell) did well at the end."

Finch was well-supported by Steve Smith's 73 from 59 balls and the pair put on 173 runs for the third wicket to set Sri Lanka a formidable total.

Australia are searching for their fourth win from five matches after beating Afghanistan, the West Indies and Pakistan.

Their lone defeat in the 10-team tournament came against India and a victory over Sri Lanka would put them well on course for a semi-final berth.

Together with opening partner David Warner, Finch took the attack to the Sri Lankans after being put in to bat under cloudy skies in south London and the pair passed fifty for the opening wicket for the fourth time in five games at the World Cup.

Warner was the first Australian to perish when he was bowled by spinner Dhananjaya de Silva for 26.

De Silva struck again when Usman Khawaja (10) played a loose shot straight down the throat of Isuru Udana at deep square leg to leave Australia 100-2.

That brought Smith to the crease and triggered the now-standard smattering of boos from the non-Australians in the crowd in reference to his role in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

But Smith has been in fine form since returning from his ban for the incident and his composed presence freed Finch to go for broke.

Gum-chewing Finch stepped on the gas to take 20 runs, including two sixes, off De Silva's eighth over and he brought up his hundred with a six off Milinda Siriwardana.

Sri Lanka had no answer to his brutal assault and by the time he departed, caught by Dimuth Karunaratne off Udana, he had put Australia in a commanding position.

Glenn Maxwell's quick-fire 46 not out capped a depressing outing for Sri Lanka, who have one win from four games after their previous two matches were abandoned due to rain.

Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Ian Kington

Sri Lanka are likely to be hit with an International Cricket Council sanction after failing to fulfil their media duties following Saturday's damaging World Cup defeat against Australia.

Dimuth Karunaratne's side were beaten by 87 runs at the Oval, leaving their hopes of progressing to the semi-finals hanging by a slender thread.

Sri Lanka skipper Karunaratne and other players from his team were due to face the press after the match in a media conference and 'mixed zone'.

But they refused to attend the press briefings and are liable to face action from tournament organisers the ICC. 

Asked if Sri Lanka would face any sanction, an ICC spokesman told reporters: "Yes. Sri Lanka have told us they don't want to do it. The ICC will be speaking to them."

Sri Lanka's refusal to meet the media comes just days after their team manager Ashantha de Mel slammed the ICC's treatment of the squad.

De Mel blasted the quality of pitches, practice facilities, transport and accommodation at the World Cup.

"This is a World Cup where the top ten countries are taking part and I feel that all the participants should be treated equally," de Mel was quoted as saying by Sri Lankan newspaper Daily News.

De Mel also criticised Sri Lanka's team bus, saying it was more cramped than the double-decker vehicles provided to other teams. 

He blasted the net facilities at Cardiff as "unsatisfactory" and the squad's hotel in Bristol, which lacked a swimming pool.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington

Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins said Pakistan's late rally with the bat was a timely warning for the defending champions even though his side returned to winning ways at the World Cup.

Aaron Finch's side won by 41 runs at Taunton on Wednesday as they recorded their third win of the campaign in England and Wales following their defeat to India.

Australia reduced Pakistan to 200-7 chasing a target of 308, with Cummins taking an economical 3-33 from his 10 overs.

But an eighth-wicket stand of 64 between Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and Wahab Riaz, who hit a rapid 45, provided Australia with some worrying moments before a late collapse saw the final three wickets fall for just two runs.

"It goes to show that everyone can bat these days," said Cummins. "It was a bit closer than we would have liked, so it was good to get those couple of wickets and finish it off. 

"We gave them a bit too much width and suddenly they were back in the game," the 26-year-old added. "It's a good lesson to learn."

New South Wales quick Cummins struck early against Pakistan, removing Fakhar Zaman, and then made another important breakthrough when he had Imam-ul-Haq caught behind for 53.

But what pleases the fast bowler most about his current form in one-day internationals is the increasing number of dot balls -- deliveries off which no runs are scored -- that he is sending down.  

"That's the big improvement in my game in the last couple of years, the ability to hold a length and make it difficult to get runs," Cummins explained.

"If you give away easy singles then 300 becomes quite an achievable score. Cutting out the singles is huge, it means if you give away a boundary it might not be that big over of 10 or 11, it may just be a five or a six."

David Warner had earlier scored his first international century since completing a year-long ban for his part in a ball-tampering scandal.

Warner had been uncharacteristically sluggish in scoring 56 off 84 balls against India at the Oval but he was back to his fluent best against Pakistan, facing just 111 balls in total.

"We were so pumped for him, he was really open and honest after the Oval game," said Cummins. "He was playing more timidly than normal but we saw his mindset change from the start here."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan

With an eye on top of the 2019 ICC World Cup charts, Australia will take on Sri Lanka at the Oval on Saturday. While other teams have been the casualties of rain-affected England, the Islanders have actually benefitted a lot, to say the least.

Sri Lanka, who have won a solitary game thus far, find themselves sitting fifth on the log after four games, with their only win coming against Afghanistan in a rain-affected game on June 4. Their next two fixtures �Pakistan (June 7) and Bangladesh (June 11) �saw the rain gods gifting them two precious points.

Australia, on the other hand, had a perfect start to the tournament until India paid them a visit. Yet, after three victories in four games, they sit second, behind the table toppers, New Zealand.

Moreover, given the history these two sides have shared over the years, it is safe to say the Aussies are braced for an easy route whatsoever. In fact, Sri Lanka �along with Zimbabwe �have the least win percentage ratio against Australia in the World Cup.

Even if their recent run is taken into consideration, the Islanders are a no match to the defending champions. Having won 12 of their 17 ODIs in 2019 (most by any team), Australia are carrying the best win percentage (70.59), while Sri Lanka have the least (18.18). The latter have won mere two of their 11 ODIs in 2019.

As far as the leaderboard is concerned, Sri Lanka do have a thing or two to worry about. Opener David Warner, with 255 runs in four innings, is the second highest scorer as of now and given his explosive form, it is safe to say the Lankan bowlers will have to be on their toes if they are to get anything positive from the game. Even the bowling department seems perfectly poised, with the likes of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc picking nine wickets each from four innings.

The key for Sri Lanka from here remains their bowling spearhead, Nuwan Pradeep, who picked his career-best 31/4 in nine overs against Afghanistan. Following his injury in the nets in Bristol ahead of Bangladesh game, the pacer is set to roar once again. And given how Australia struggled to cope with the pace �against West Indies �the Islanders would want their paceman to be at his best on the day.

Meanwhile, Lasith Malinga is expected to be brought back into the team after the veteran flew back home following the passing of his mother-in-law. Sri Lanka’s batting remains a major concern, with their middle order not providing any stability whatsoever. Against New Zealand in their tournament opener, they lost five wickets for mere 14 runs, while gave away seven for 36 against Afghanistan. And they failed to last fifty overs in both of their fixtures.

Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Saeed Khan