In a riveting encounter at the Pallekele International Stadium, Sri Lanka showcased a batting spectacle on the back of Pathum Nissanka‘s spectacular double ton, overshadowing Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi‘s gritty centuries, to secure a commanding victory over Afghanistan by 42 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series.
Sri Lanka’s dominant display
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 8 sixes, illuminated the stadium with sheer brilliance. Avishka Fernando‘s contribution of a solid 88 runs laid the foundation for a formidable total. Despite facing a couple of early setbacks, Sadeera Samarawickrama‘s aggressive 45 ensured Sri Lanka posted an imposing 381/3 in their alloted 50 overs.
Pathum Nissanka’s historic achievement
Nissanka’s double century not only anchored the Sri Lankan innings but also etched his name in the record books as the first Sri Lankan to achieve this milestone in ODIs. His innings was a perfect blend of elegance and power, dismantling the Afghan bowling attack with consummate ease.
Afghanistan’s struggle in bowling
The Afghanistan bowlers found it challenging to contain the Sri Lankan batters, with Fareed Malik being the only successful bowler, picking two wickets. The rest of the bowling unit, including Fazalhaq Farooqi, Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib, went wicketless, conceding significant runs.
Afghanistan’s dismal start and fight from Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi
In pursuit of a daunting target, Afghanistan faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 55/5 at one stage. However, a remarkable fightback ensued, spearheaded by Omarzai and Nabi. Omarzai played a sensational innings, scoring 149 runs off 115 balls, complemented by Nabi’s gritty 136 off 130 balls. The duo stitched a remarkable 242-run partnership for the sixth wicket, bringing Afghanistan back into the contest.
Also READ: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan, ODI series: Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Sri Lanka’s bowling resilience
Despite the Omarzai-Nabi partnership, Sri Lanka’s bowlers displayed resilience. Pramod Madushan was exceptional, claiming four crucial wickets for 75 runs. Dushmantha Chameera contributed with two wickets, ensuring the required run rate kept escalating for Afghanistan. In the end, Afghanistan fell short of the target, finishing at 339/6 in 50 overs.
Player of the Match
Nissanka’s historic double century rightfully earned him the Player of the Match accolade, steering Sri Lanka to a memorable victory. His exceptional innings showcased the class and talent that will be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts. The series promises more thrilling encounters as both teams gear up for the subsequent ODIs
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
A double century for Pathum Nissanka. Wow!!! Just wow!!!
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) February 9, 2024
Congratulations to Pathum on a masterclass in batting. I am so so privileged to witness it in person pure bliss.
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) February 9, 2024
Pathum Nissanka is on his way to greatness!🙌
The first ever double century and the highest score in ODIs by a Sri Lankan🇱🇰
An innings full of class and an absolute treat to watch❤️#SLvAFG
— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 9, 2024
Cheers to Pathum Nissanka for your amazing innings of 210 runs and still not out against #Afghanistan! What a star player! 🌟🏏 @pathuwa18
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) February 9, 2024
AZMATULLAH OMARZAI WHAT A TALENT AFGHANISTAN HAS GOT IN RECENT TIMES..
Afghanistan was chasing huge target of 382 and they were struggling at 55-5 . Than Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi show started and both Batsman scored century.
Azmatullah Omarzai will be one of the… pic.twitter.com/cBHaIlL3DE
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) February 9, 2024
Whan an innings from both Azmatullah Omarzai & Mohammad Nabi under pressure situation 🙌👏…#SLvAFG
— Subrajit Pradhan (@Subrajit_tulu) February 9, 2024
This one is for the ages..
Pathum Nissanka becomes the first Sri Lankan to score a double century and now holds the record for the highest individual ODI score for Sri Lanka.
I told you since day one Pathum, you will be the best in the world. Now take on the world from here. pic.twitter.com/Ty1qqShzMQ
— Kanishka Roshan (@KrosaniTy) February 9, 2024
Sanath Jayasuriya enjoying his 24 year old record being broken 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 ability to play ‘modern day’ cricket (sometimes justified), but the way he’s grown as a batter over the last couple of years, you have to give him props 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/skNIbXUHoM
— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) February 9, 2024
Remarkable scenes at Pallekele. Sanath Jayasuriya’s long standing record for the most runs by a Sri Lankan in ODIs has fallen. Jayasuriya’s 189 against India stood nearly for a quarter century. Pathum Nissanka has broken his record. A stylish knock. pic.twitter.com/7MqyJVyZOK
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) February 9, 2024
Pathum Nissanka’s 210* puts him fifth equal on the ODI scores list. An innings as selfless as it was clinical. After he got a fast start, just refused to play it safe.
His name’s now up with some of the best.
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) February 9, 2024
2nd ODI century for Mohammad Nabi 👏
Fantabulous innings from the highly experienced cricketer #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/nYc0PJnjQ4
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 9, 2024
Mohammad Nabi in 50 lakhs is a good deal. He will be perfectly fit in Mumbai Indians set-up. We needed 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 year Old Mohd Nabi scored a stunning hundred for Afghanistan, chasing 381 runs from 55 for 5.
One of the best inning in Afghanistan cricket history. pic.twitter.com/ahhcwss4nE
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) February 9, 2024
What a match! Sri Lanka takes a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series against Afghanistan with 42-run victory. 👊
It was a high-scoring encounter at Pallekele, with both teams setting a record aggregate 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 hundreds from @AzmatOmarzay (149*) and @MohammadNabi007 (136) and a record-breaking partnership, managed to score 339 runs in the 2nd inning but still fell short by 42 runs in the 1st ODI. 👍#SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/eQlSyG25HA
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 9, 2024
Also READ: SL vs AFG 2024: Afghanistan’s best playing XI for the ODI series against Sri Lanka</h3
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