Spinner Zampa helps steer Australia past Sri Lanka in storm-hit World Cup clash

Leg-spinner Adam Zampa returned figures of 4-47 while Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis hit fifties to help Australia beat Sri Lanka by five wickets for their first win at the 2023 Cricket World Cup on Monday.

Five-time winners Australia bundled out Sri Lanka for 209, a total they overhauled in 35.2 overs at a windswept Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.

The drama on the field may have been limited but that was not the case in the stands.

After rain interrupted Sri Lanka's batting, strong winds brought scaffolding and hoardings crashing down on to the seats below.

With only around 3,000 people inside the 50,000-capacity ground, spectators managed to escape injury.

However, Australia's reply was delayed when the umpires felt it unsafe to restart the match with high winds still a danger.

Once the game resumed, opener Marsh smashed 52 and wicketkeeper-batsman Inglis made 58 as Australia registered their first win in three matches. Former champions Sri Lanka slipped to a third loss in as many games.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said he hoped the result would be a catalyst for a successful campaign.

"We didn't say much before the game, but after two losses we wanted to get back to where we know we can be with our high standards," he said.

"Their openers started really well and we were staring down the barrel of a big score. But we stuck together, all our bowlers did their job and to finish it off for 209 was a great effort.

"The outside noise doesn't bother us too much. We know what we can do as a squad.

"I hope that this result can kick us forward. All three aspects of the game came together today and we need to keep that up."

Marsh led the chase after Australia lost the two early wickets of David Warner, for 11, and Steve Smith, for a