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 in the first ODI of the three-match collection.
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 stable 88 runs laid the muse 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 additionally etched his identify within the document books as the primary Sri Lankan to realize 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 include 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 important 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. Nevertheless, 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 series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
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 price stored 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 can be etched within the reminiscences of cricket lovers. The collection guarantees extra thrilling encounters as each groups gear up for the following 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 particular person pure bliss.
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) February 9, 2024
Pathum Nissanka is on his strategy 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 look at❤️#SLvAFG— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 9, 2024
Cheers to Pathum Nissanka to 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 large goal of 382 they usually have been struggling at 55-5 . Than Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi present began and each Batsman scored century.
Azmatullah Omarzai can be one of many… pic.twitter.com/cBHaIlL3DE
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 9, 2024
Whan an innings from each Azmatullah Omarzai & Mohammad Nabi beneath strain scenario 🙌👏…#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 document for the very best particular person ODI rating for Sri Lanka.
I advised you since day one Pathum, you’ll be the most effective on the earth. 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 outdated document 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 means to play ‘modern-day’ cricket (generally justified), however the way in which he is grown as a batter over the past couple of years, it’s important 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 document for probably the most runs by a Sri Lankan in ODIs has fallen. Jayasuriya’s 189 in opposition to India stood practically for 1 / 4 century. Pathum Nissanka has damaged his document. 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 received a quick begin, simply refused to play it protected.
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 effective deal. He can be completely slot in Mumbai Indians set-up. We wanted 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.
The most effective 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 collection in opposition to Afghanistan with 42-run victory. 👊
It was a high-scoring encounter at Pallekele, with each groups setting a document 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 bunch 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
