In a riveting encounter on the Pallekele Worldwide Stadium, Sri Lanka showcased a batting spectacle on the again of Pathum Nissanka‘s spectacular double ton, overshadowing Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi‘s gritty centuries, to safe a commanding victory over Afghanistan by 42 runs within the first ODI of the three-match sequence.
Sri Lanka’s dominant show
The Sri Lankan innings unfolded as a masterclass in batting supremacy, spearheaded by Nissanka’s monumental double century. Nissanka’s breathtaking innings of 210 runs off 139 balls, adorned with 20 fours and eight sixes, illuminated the stadium with sheer brilliance. Avishka Fernando‘s contribution of a strong 88 runs laid the inspiration for a formidable whole. Regardless of dealing with a few early setbacks, Sadeera Samarawickrama‘s aggressive 45 ensured Sri Lanka posted an imposing 381/3 of their alloted 50 overs.
Pathum Nissanka’s historic achievement
Nissanka’s double century not solely anchored the Sri Lankan innings but in addition etched his identify within the report books as the primary Sri Lankan to attain this milestone in ODIs. His innings was an ideal mix of class and energy, dismantling the Afghan bowling assault with consummate ease.
Afghanistan’s wrestle in bowling
The Afghanistan bowlers discovered it difficult to comprise the Sri Lankan batters, with Fareed Malik being the one profitable bowler, selecting two wickets. The remainder of the bowling unit, together with Fazalhaq Farooqi, Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, went wicketless, conceding vital runs.
Afghanistan’s dismal begin and combat from Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi
In pursuit of a frightening goal, Afghanistan confronted early setbacks, discovering themselves at 55/5 at one stage. Nonetheless, a exceptional fightback ensued, spearheaded by Omarzai and Nabi. Omarzai performed a sensational innings, scoring 149 runs off 115 balls, complemented by Nabi’s gritty 136 off 130 balls. The duo stitched a exceptional 242-run partnership for the sixth wicket, bringing Afghanistan again into the competition.
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, ODI sequence: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Dwell Streaming particulars
Sri Lanka’s bowling resilience
Regardless of the Omarzai-Nabi partnership, Sri Lanka’s bowlers displayed resilience. Pramod Madushan was distinctive, claiming 4 essential wickets for 75 runs. Dushmantha Chameera contributed with two wickets, guaranteeing the required run charge saved escalating for Afghanistan. In the long run, Afghanistan fell wanting the goal, ending at 339/6 in 50 overs.
Participant of the Match
Nissanka’s historic double century rightfully earned him the Participant of the Match accolade, steering Sri Lanka to a memorable victory. His distinctive innings showcased the category and expertise that will probably be etched within the recollections of cricket fanatics. The sequence guarantees extra thrilling encounters as each groups gear up for the next ODIs
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
A double century for Pathum Nissanka. Wow!!! Simply wow!!!
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) February 9, 2024
Congratulations to Pathum on a masterclass in batting. I’m so so privileged to witness it in individual pure bliss.
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) February 9, 2024
Pathum Nissanka is on his solution to greatness!🙌
The primary ever double century and the very best rating in ODIs by a Sri Lankan🇱🇰
An innings full of sophistication and an absolute deal with to observe❤️#SLvAFG— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 9, 2024
Cheers to Pathum Nissanka in your superb innings of 210 runs and nonetheless not out in opposition to #Afghanistan! What a star participant! 🌟🏏 @pathuwa18
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 9, 2024
AZMATULLAH OMARZAI WHAT A TALENT AFGHANISTAN HAS GOT IN RECENT TIMES..
Afghanistan was chasing big goal of 382 they usually had been struggling at 55-5 . Than Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi present began and each Batsman scored century.
Azmatullah Omarzai will probably be one of many… pic.twitter.com/cBHaIlL3DE
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 9, 2024
Whan an innings from each Azmatullah Omarzai & Mohammad Nabi below strain state of affairs 🙌👏…#SLvAFG
— Subrajit Pradhan (@Subrajit_tulu) February 9, 2024
This one is for the ages..
Pathum Nissanka turns into the primary Sri Lankan to attain a double century and now holds the report for the very best particular person ODI rating for Sri Lanka.
I advised you since day one Pathum, you may be the perfect on this planet. Now tackle the world from right here. pic.twitter.com/Ty1qqShzMQ
— Kanishka Roshan (@KrosaniTy) February 9, 2024
Sanath Jayasuriya having fun with his 24 yr previous report being damaged by Pathum Nissanka.#AFGvSL pic.twitter.com/hczU9Ft5dG
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 9, 2024
FIRST EVER ODI DOUBLE CENTURY BY SRI LANKA!
Take a bow Pathum Nissanka. Afghans are destroyed! #SLvsAFG pic.twitter.com/TDShhFhwch
— Himanshu Pareek (@Sports_Himanshu) February 9, 2024
That was some knock by Pathum Nissanka. So many doubts about his potential to play ‘modern-day’ cricket (generally justified), however the best way he is grown as a batter over the past couple of years, you need to give him props 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/skNIbXUHoM
— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) February 9, 2024
Exceptional scenes at Pallekele. Sanath Jayasuriya’s lengthy standing report for probably the most runs by a Sri Lankan in ODIs has fallen. Jayasuriya’s 189 in opposition to India stood almost for 1 / 4 century. Pathum Nissanka has damaged his report. A classy knock. pic.twitter.com/7MqyJVyZOK
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) February 9, 2024
Pathum Nissanka’s 210* places him fifth equal on the ODI scores record. An innings as selfless because it was medical. After he bought a quick begin, simply refused to play it secure.
His identify’s now up with a number of the finest.
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) February 9, 2024
2nd ODI century for Mohammad Nabi 👏
Fantabulous innings from the extremely skilled cricketer #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/nYc0PJnjQ4
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 9, 2024
Mohammad Nabi in 50 lakhs is an efficient deal. He will probably be completely slot in Mumbai Indians set-up. We would have liked a no. 7/8 batter who can bowl.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) February 9, 2024
President has a ton!
2nd ODI ton for Nabi. 👏#SLvAFG
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) February 9, 2024
39 yr Outdated Mohd Nabi scored a shocking hundred for Afghanistan, chasing 381 runs from 55 for five.
Top-of-the-line inning in Afghanistan cricket historical past. pic.twitter.com/ahhcwss4nE
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) February 9, 2024
What a match! Sri Lanka takes a 1-0 lead within the 3-match sequence in opposition to Afghanistan with 42-run victory. 👊
It was a high-scoring encounter at Pallekele, with each groups setting a report mixture of 720 runs!
Scorecard 📝: https://t.co/z8HCHdOX6P#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/i4rgZSiDNs
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 9, 2024
RESULT | SRI LANKA WON BY 42 RUNS! 🚨#AfghanAtalan, banking on a whole lot from @AzmatOmarzay (149*) and @MohammadNabi007 (136) and a record-breaking partnership, managed to attain 339 runs within the 2nd inning however nonetheless fell quick by 42 runs within the 1st ODI. 👍#SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/eQlSyG25HA
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 9, 2024
