Sri Lanka clinched a clean sweep of the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, sealing their dominance with a seven-wicket victory in the final encounter at Pallekele on Wednesday.
Nissanka’s Record-breaking Performance
Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka showcased his prowess with the bat, hammering his fifth one-day international century and marking his second in the series. Nissanka’s remarkable tally of 346 runs throughout the series surpassed previous records, securing the highest run aggregate by a Sri Lankan in a three-match series. His stellar performance also ranked as the fourth highest total in a three-match series globally.
In the first game, Nissanka made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve a double hundred in ODI cricket, further solidifying his position as the fastest Sri Lankan to reach the 2,000 ODI runs milestone in just 52 innings.
Sri Lanka’s Dominance in Batting
Sri Lanka’s pursuit of 267 runs saw an exemplary display of batting prowess as Avishka Fernando set the tone with a rapid half-century, laying the foundation with an opening partnership of 173 runs alongside Nissanka. Although Fernando fell short of a century, his explosive innings of 91 off 66 balls propelled Sri Lanka towards victory.
Captain Kusal Mendis also contributed significantly, adding impetus to the chase with a brisk 40 off 29 balls.
Afghanistan’s Challenge and Sri Lanka’s Bowling Brilliance
Despite commendable performances from Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan faltered towards the end of their innings, collapsing from a promising position of 223/4 to being bundled out for 266. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Pramod Madushan and supported by Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, and Akila Dananjaya, capitalized on Afghanistan’s batting woes, securing crucial wickets at crucial junctures.
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victories in the ODI series set the stage for an exciting three-match T20 series, commencing in Dambulla on February 17.
