During the first ODI between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, the Sri Lankan team batted first and set an impressive target of 382 runs for Afghanistan to chase. Although the match wasn’t initially well-attended by Sri Lankan sports fans, the impressive performance by the home team made it a must-watch match.
Sri Lankan opening batsmen Pathum Nishanka and Avishka Fernando formed a strong partnership, scoring 182 runs together. Avishka was bowled out for 88, but Pathum Nisshanka continued his aggressive innings and scored an unbeaten 210 runs, breaking cricket records in the process.
Pathum Nissanka created history by becoming the first Sri Lankan batsman to score a double century in an ODI match. He also set a new record for the highest number of runs scored by a Sri Lankan batsman in an ODI innings. Overall, it was an impressive display of cricket by the Sri Lankan team, and Pathum Nissanka’s performance will be remembered as one of the greatest in Sri Lankan cricket history.
The record broken after 24 years
Sanath Jayasuriya holds the record for the highest number of runs scored by a Sri Lankan batsman in an ODI match. He achieved this feat by scoring 189 runs against India in Sharjah in 2000. Interestingly, the record remained unbroken for 24 years until Pathum Nissanka surpassed it. It was an incredible moment as Sanath Jayasuriya, who had previously held the record, was present at the stadium to witness it being broken.
Pathum’s difficult journey
Pathum Nissanka, a cricketer born on May 18, 1998, in Galle had a passion for cricket since childhood. He attended Kalutara College where he kept manuals for cricket. Pathum’s father, Sunil Silva, worked at a cricket stadium and his mother sold flowers near the Kalutara Bodhi. Despite facing financial difficulties, his mother was committed to supporting his cricket activities. She once mentioned in an interview that she is happy to see the results of her dedication today.
Pathum’s mother had once said, “My son didn’t even have two shoes to practice with.”
Due to the performance of the Kalutara College cricket team, Pathum Nissanka got the opportunity to join Colombo Isipathana Vidyalaya. This was a turning point for Pathum, as he could now pursue cricket from a stronger place.
Pathum’s skills on the school cricket field earned him recognition, and he participated in the first-class cricket tournaments. He started his journey from Baduraliya Sports Club and was lucky enough to join the national team in 2021.
Pathum who scored a century in the first match
Pathum Nissanka is a talented batsman who made an impressive debut in his first Test match by scoring a century of 103 runs against the West Indies in Antigua. He became the first Sri Lankan batsman to achieve this feat in a foreign country. Pathum has played nine Test matches to date, scoring 537 runs in 15 innings, including one century and five fifties. Additionally, he has played 45 T20 matches, scoring 1140 runs and achieving nine fifties.
50th ODI and double century
During the recent match against Afghanistan, Pathum Nissanka played his 50th One Day International (ODI). In this match, he scored an impressive 210 not out in just 139 balls. His innings included 20 fours and 8 sixes. Nissanka’s outstanding performance made him the first Sri Lankan batsman to score a double century in an ODI match. Moreover, he also became the 12th player to achieve this feat in the history of international one-day cricket. His remarkable performance brought great fame to Sri Lanka.
Sharp competition in Afghanistan
The Sri Lanka team set a challenging target of 382 runs, but the Afghanistan team didn’t back down. Despite losing their first five wickets for a low score, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi created an uncertain situation for the sixth wicket. Nabi played a quick innings and brought the match within reach of victory. Meanwhile, Azmatullah Omarzai batted more cautiously, taking responsibility to help his team win.
Two centuries that made victory or defeat uncertain
Pramod Madhushan was able to get Nabi out, but he managed to score a quick 136 runs with 15 fours and 3 sixes, changing the course of the match. Azmatullah Omarzai also played a crucial role in the game with his fast batting and built a good partnership with Nabi. However, the partnership ended at 242 runs with Nabi’s dismissal. Azmatullah Omarzai played another exceptional innings, scoring 149 not out from 115 balls with 13 fours and 6 sixes. Despite their efforts, Afghanistan was unable to achieve their goal, and if Nabi had not been dismissed, the result of the match may have been different.
In the end, Sri Lanka managed to win the match by 42 runs. Despite the outcome, the match was filled with excitement and showcased the essence of cricket. With two centuries, a double century, and a half century, a total of 21 sixes and 68 fours were hit during the match. Both teams scored 720 runs, making it a very important match.
