Cricket News
WATCH: Pathum Nissanka creates history to become first Sri Lankan batter to score 200 in ODI Cricket
Young Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka scripted history on Friday, The 25-year-old became the first-ever Sri Lankan star to score 200 in ODI Cricket. The feat was achieved during the first ODI against Afghanistan in Pallekele.
Sanath Jayasuriya held the previous record when he scored 189 vs India in 2000. The former Lankan batting ace held onto the record for nearly 24 years. The knock from the youngster also saw post a huge total of 3/381 from their 50 overs.
The moment Pathum Nissanka became the first Sri Lanka to smash an ODI double century. 🔥pic.twitter.com/4R2PA6XD6Z
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 9, 2024
Earlier in the day it was Hasmatullah Shahidi who won the toss and chose to bowl first. Rashid Khan is missing out on action as he is still to recover from his injury. Sri Lanka had beaten Afghanistan in the only Test played between the two teams.
Sri Lankan batter Pathum Nissanka scripts history –
Put into bat first Sri Lanka got off to a great start thanks to opener Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando. The pair added 182 runs for the first wicket in just 26.2 overs. The pair batted well and hit boundaries at will against a wayward Afghanistan bowling attack.
Avishka Fernando was the first man to fall when he was out for 88 runs. Fareed Ahmed picked the wicket to give some respite to the visitors. Skipper Kusal Mendis was out for 16 when Mohammad Nabi had him caught by Gulbadin Naib.
There was no stopping Pathum Nissanka though as he kept scoring runs at will. With a single the young batter moved to 190 going past the previous record held by Sanath Jayasuriya.
To celebrate the feat Nissanka hit a huge six to move to 196. The moment of the day came with a well-placed four to reach the 200 mark in style. As the helmet came off there were huge celebrations in the ground.
The young batter was not out on 210 as his knock came off 139 balls. 20 fours and 8 sixes were hit during his knock and he got a huge applause from his teammates. Chasing 382 to win, Afghanistan were reduced to 55 for 5 at one stage.
Dushmanta Chameera and Pramod Madushan shared the spoils as the Afghans were reeling. Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai brought some sanity as they began a steady stand. At the time of writing, Afghanistan were placed at 94/5 in the 20th over.
