Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: Nissanka's Double Ton Powers Hosts to Massive Win
Sri Lanka registered a thumping 215-run victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series at Pallekele on Friday. The hosts rode on a brilliant double century by opener Pathum Nissanka, who smashed 210 off 139 balls, the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in ODIs. Nissanka's knock included 20 fours and eight sixes, as he dominated the Afghan bowlers from the start. He shared a 237-run stand with Avishka Fernando, who scored 88 off 88 balls, for the second wicket. Sri Lanka posted a mammoth total of 381 for 3 in 50 overs, their second-highest in ODIs.
Afghanistan's chase never got going, as they lost wickets at regular intervals. None of their batsmen could cross the 50-run mark, as they were bowled out for 166 in 38.1 overs. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, taking 4 for 37 in his 10 overs. He was well supported by Dushmantha Chameera, who claimed 3 for 30 in 8.1 overs. Nissanka was adjudged the player of the match for his record-breaking innings.
The second ODI of the series will be played at the same venue on Sunday. Sri Lanka will look to seal the series with another win, while Afghanistan will hope to bounce back and level the series.
- This was Sri Lanka’s first ODI win since July 2019, when they beat Bangladesh by 122 runs in Colombo.
- Afghanistan’s captain Gulbadin Naib admitted that his team was outplayed in all departments and praised Nissanka’s batting display. He said that his team needs to improve their batting and fielding in the next match.
Source:
Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan 1st ODI Live Cricket