Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to post double hundred in ODIs

There were remarkable scenes at Pallekele on Friday evening as Pathum Nissanka became the first Sri Lankan to score a double hundred in ODI cricket. The opening batsman carried his bat through and was unbeaten on 210 as Sri Lanka scored a massive 381 for three in the first ODI against Afghanistan on Friday.

In the process, Nissanka broke Sanath Jayasuriya’s long standing record for the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan. Jayasuriya had smashed 189 against India in Sharjah in 2000. The record had stood for 24 years.

Nissanka, playing his first ODI since the World Cup, was unstoppable. He brought up his half-century in just 31 balls and raced to his fourth ODI hundred in 88 balls.

The 25-year-old then went past his career best score of 137, made against Australia in 2022 at RPS.

Once he reached 150, Jayasuriya’s record was within reach and he didn’t throw away the opportunity. There was muted celebrations after he went past Jayasuriya suggesting that he wasn’t aware of the record.

Once he reached the double hundred with a boundary off Fareed Ahmad, non-striker Charith Asalanka lifted his Under-19 team mate up and the small crowd at Pallekele were celebrating the moment.

Nissanka finished unbeaten on 210 and his knock required only 139 balls. He hit 20 fours and eight sixes.The knocked helped Sri Lanka to post 381 for three, their fourth highest score in ODI cricket and the highest at Pallekele.

Nissanka was involved in a 182-run stand for the first wicket with Avishka Fernando in 160 balls. A hundred was there for taking for Fernando but he threw his wicket away.

Kusal Mendis failed to make a big impact but Sadeera Samarawickrama ensured that Sri Lanka didn’t spoil the good start. He posted 45 and added 120 runs for the third wicket with Nissanka.

Nissanka is thought to be more of a Test match player but on Friday he showed the other side of himself smashing bowlers to all parts of the park in an exhibition of brilliant shot making as Sri Lanka looked set to take an early lead in the series.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 381 for three, 50 overs (P. Nissanka 211 not out, A. Fernando 88, S. Samarawickrama 45, Fareed Ahmad 2-80) vs Afghanistan