Sri Lanka’s top order batter Pathum Nissanka hammered his fifth ODI century, playing a delightful knock against Afghanistan in the final and the third ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Opener Nissanka’s century came off just 89 deliveries with 15 boundaries – 13 4s and 2 sixes.
The 25-year-old stroked the maiden double-century hit by a Sri Lankan cricketer in ODI format on Friday (Feb. 09), scoring 210 off just 139 balls and remaining on the stumps at the end of 50 overs.
Thus, Nissanka also broke the record 189 runs scored by Sanath Jayasuriya against India in Sharjah in 2000, which remained the highest ODI score amassed by a Sri Lankan player for over 20 years.
The hosts were put to bowl first after Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi won the toss.
Chasing a target of 267 set by the Afghans, Sri Lanka were 228/1 after 27.5 overs, a short while ago.
Sri Lanka are looking for a clean-sweep after taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
