In a masterful display of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka orchestrated a comprehensive 3-0 series whitewash against Afghanistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (February 14). The third ODI unfolded with a fascinating clash, featuring captivating performances and a decisive knock from the ever-impressive Pathum Nissanka, who was eventually named Player of the Match and Player of the Series as well.
Afghanistan’s spirited effort
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan commenced with a spirited effort, buoyed by Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s attacking start and Ibrahim Zadran‘s calculated aggression. The duo set the stage, amassing 36 runs in just four overs. However, the dismissal of Ibrahim due to Avishka Fernando‘s quick fielding marked a turning point, and the lower order struggled to build momentum. Despite Rahmat Shah‘s steadfast innings of 65 and partnerships with Azmatullah Omarzai and Ikram Alikhil, Afghanistan posted a challenging but ultimately insufficient score of 266/10 in 48.2 overs.
Sri Lanka’s dominant response
Sri Lanka’s reply was marked by an extraordinary opening partnership of 173 runs, with Fernando delivering a solid 91-run performance. However, it was Nissanka who stole the limelight once again with a commanding century. Nissanka’s sublime form, previously highlighted by a double-century in the series, showcased his consistency and class. Kusal Mendis contributed a brisk 40, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed comfortably on course for victory.
Pathum Nissanka’s knock: A feature of brilliance
The standout feature of the match was undeniably Pathum Nissanka’s innings. His adept stroke play, unwavering focus, and ability to anchor the innings have elevated him as a linchpin in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Nissanka’s century in this match further cements his reputation as a batsman of extraordinary caliber, capable of dominating the opposition with grace and authority.
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Flawless execution and whitewash
Despite minor hiccups towards the end, Sri Lanka’s chase remained virtually flawless, showcasing the team’s collective strength and determination. The seven-wicket victory with almost 15 overs to spare underscored Sri Lanka’s dominance throughout the series. The clinical performance not only secured a whitewash but also highlighted the emergence of Nissanka as a key protagonist in Sri Lanka’s cricketing narrative.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A dominant series victory by SL🇱🇰👏
It’s amazing to see the way Nissanka has performed in this series. A solid and an aggressive opening batsman of his quality will do wonders for SLC in LOIs🤩
Well played team🙌#SLvAFG
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 14, 2024
Congrats to Pathum Nissanka.
The quickest Sri Lankan to 2000 ODI runs.
The best batsman in the country at the moment.#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/Tim5g0Ia1n
— S (@Sakun_SD) February 14, 2024
I could get used to this celebration you know.
5th ODI century and the fastest Sri Lankan to 2000 ODI runs.
Pathum Nissanka 🔥 #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/pbhAGLuXfD
— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) February 14, 2024
• Double Hundred in 1st match of the series.
• Hundred in 3rd match of the series.
Take a bow, Pathum Nissanka – Phenomenal batting display in this series. He is in The form his life… #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/ftICqJdzSB
— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) February 14, 2024
Sri Lanka DOMINATE! 🇱🇰 They whitewash Afghanistan 3-0 in the ODI series, their first clean sweep since 2020! #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/QcaR29BzN0
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) February 14, 2024
Sri Lanka comfortably won the match and the series 3-0 with the Nissanka taking home player of the match and player of the series. 🇱🇰👊#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/9KpOPKpS2M
— Shan Akku (@akkuslc) February 14, 2024
Domination from start to finish! Sri Lanka sweep the ODI series against Afghanistan 3️⃣-0️⃣, winning the final match by 7 wickets. 🇱🇰🏆🇱🇰#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/9D5g4LO6ib
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 14, 2024
Pathum Nissanka has become the fastest Sri Lankan to score 2000 ODI runs. Upul Tharanga had got to the milestone in his 63rd innings. Nissanka needed just 52 innings.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) February 14, 2024
Brilliant effort by Sri Lanka to whitewash Afghanistan. Great to see the bench strength rising to the occasion. Congratulations Kusal Mendis and the team.
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) February 14, 2024
Defeat in Kandy!
Another tough day in the office for AfghanAtalan, as they have failed to defend the target in the third game. Congratulations to Sri Lanka for winning the game by 7 wickets and taking the series 3-0. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/EF54oKYcxV
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 14, 2024
Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the third and final ODI: https://t.co/nk24moiKs0#cricket #SLvAFG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/6idKa7IiXB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 15, 2024
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