Mitchell Marsh Admits Side Were Outplayed but Keeps Super 8 Hopes Alive

Captain Mitchell Marsh conceded that Australia were second best in their defeat to Sri Lanka national cricket team at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, but insisted his team still have a mathematical chance of reaching the Super 8 stage.

Australia made a blistering start, racing to 97 without loss inside eight overs before finishing on 181. However, Marsh admitted the team failed to maximise their strong platform.

“We had a good platform but just weren’t able to execute towards the back end,” Marsh said after the match. “Sri Lanka pulled it back beautifully. We were a few short after the start and probably knew that going into the second innings.”

When questioned about Australia’s difficulties against spin, Marsh dismissed concerns over technique.

“That full-strength batting line-up has some of the best players of spin in Australia. It was probably more just execution tonight,” he explained.

Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target, thanks largely to a stunning century from opener Pathum Nissanka. Marsh praised the match-winning knock.

“You take your hat off to someone when they score 100 off 50 balls in a World Cup match in a tight run chase at this stage of our group,” he said. “It was an incredible innings. We didn’t have many answers for him tonight.”

Back-to-back defeats  including an earlier loss to Zimbabwehave left Australia’s campaign in jeopardy. Nevertheless, Marsh believes qualification is still possible.

“I think it is still technically possible. There’s still a chance,” he said. “Right now it’s out of our control, so we’ll wait and see.”

Australia’s fate could hinge on the outcome of the Ireland versus Zimbabwe clash, a match the squad will follow closely.

“I dare say we’ll all be watching it,” Marsh added. “Whether together or not, we’ll wait and see. The luck of the Irish.”

Marsh also played down suggestions that dew played a major role in Sri Lanka’s successful chase.

“I don’t think there was much dew. Partnerships are incredibly important in these conditions. Outside of our opening partnership, we just weren’t able to form another strong one,” he said.

Despite appearing uncomfortable while fielding, Marsh confirmed he is fit.

“I was a little bit sore, but I’m absolutely fine,” he assured.

Australia must now wait anxiously for other results to determine their Super 8 fate, while Sri Lanka sealed qualification with an emphatic victory in front of a packed home crowd.