Highlights: Pathum Nissanka’s double century helped Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 42 runs in the first match of the three-match ODI series in Kandy on February 9.
After being asked to bat first by Afghanistan, Sri Lanka racked up a mammoth 381 for the loss of three wickets, thanks to Nissanka’s record-breaking unbeaten 210 off 139 deliveries, including 20 fours and eight sixes.
With that sensational knock, Nissanka surpassed Sanath Jayasuriya’s previous highest individual ODI score of 189 against India in 2000, becoming the first cricketer from the island nation to enter the exclusive 200-run club. Apart from the stylish right-hander, fellow opener Avishka Fernando contributed with a run-a-ball 88 and a 36-ball-45 cameo from Sadeera Samarawickrama gave the hosts an ideal batting finish.
Chasing the formidable total, Afghanistan lost half of their side for just 55 runs as Sri Lanka found a wreaker-in-chief in pacer Pramod Madushan, who scalped thrice in his first spell alongside Dushmantha Chameera, who took out the dangerous Gulbadin Naib. However, Chameera was forced to leave the field mid-way through his spell because of back pain.
A total capitulation seemed inevitable for the tourists following the collapse, but Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi staged a fightback. The duo added 242 runs from there on, piling on the second-highest ODI stand in history for the sixth wicket or lower. The record stands with New Zealand’s Grant Elliot and Luke Ronchi, who scored a 265-run partnership against Sri Lanka in 2015.
However, Madushan’s timely blow in the 46th over sent Nabi back for 136 off 130 deliveries. Afghanistan were 297-6 with 28 deliveries remaining and the target looking distant. After scoring his maiden ODI ton, Omarzai was stranded unbeaten on 149 off 115 deliveries as Afghanistan ended their innings on 339-6.
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