The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia on the R. Premadasa Stadium on February 14, 2025, was an exhilarating encounter crammed with dramatic moments. One such second got here when Adam Zampa pulled off a shocking but nerve-wracking catch to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Nishan Madushka. The incident not solely showcased Zampa’s brilliance but in addition highlighted the effective margins that always determine the result of a match.
Adam Zampa’s catch: The sting of the boundary drama
The twenty fifth over of Sri Lanka’s innings noticed Ben Dwarshuis ship a short-pitched ball that angled in sharply. Madushka, who had been batting confidently, tried a hook shot however solely managed to top-edge the ball. It soared excessive into the air, heading straight towards Zampa at deep effective leg. What adopted was a second of pure cricketing drama.
Zampa positioned himself completely, grabbed the catch, after which, realizing his momentum was taking him over the boundary rope, tossed the ball into the air. As he regained his steadiness, he accomplished the catch once more, however his foot brushed towards the boundary cushion. The on-field umpires had been not sure and known as for a TV assessment. After meticulous scrutiny, the third umpire confirmed it was a clear catch, and Madushka was given out. The dismissal was a turning level within the match, breaking a strong 98-run partnership between Madushka and Kusal Mendis.
Right here’s the video:
ADAM ZAMPA ON THE ROPE!
Madushka departs following some Zorba brilliance 🤯 #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/hez6QuzLYh
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 14, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Pathum Nissanka loses his wicket to a rash shot towards Aaron Hardie
Sri Lanka’s innings: A story of partnerships and momentum
Sri Lanka, electing to bat first, received off to a shaky begin when Pathum Nissanka was dismissed early for simply 6 runs. Nonetheless, Madushka and Mendis steadied the ship with a vital 98-run partnership. Madushka’s dismissal for 51 introduced a short halt to Sri Lanka’s momentum, however Mendis continued to anchor the innings with a composed century.
Mendis’ 101 off 115 balls was a masterclass in managed aggression, that includes 11 boundaries. He discovered ready help in Charith Asalanka, who performed a blistering knock of 78 not out off simply 66 balls, together with 6 fours and three sixes. Janith Liyanage offered the ending touches with a quickfire 32 off 21 balls, serving to Sri Lanka put up a aggressive whole of 281/4 of their 50 overs.
Australia’s bowling: A blended bag
Australia’s bowlers had a blended day on the sector. Dwarshuis and Sean Abbott had been the choose of the bowlers, selecting up a wicket every whereas sustaining economical figures. Zampa, regardless of being costly, contributed with the essential wicket of Mendis. Nonetheless, the Australian bowlers struggled to include Sri Lanka’s center order, particularly in the course of the demise overs, the place Asalanka and Liyanage unleashed a flurry of boundaries.
