Nissanka pumps unbeaten 210 to set Afghanistan 382 target

Pathum Nissanka became the first Sri Lankan to score an ODI double century as Sri Lanka piled on the runs against Afghanistan in the first ODI at Pallekele. On a record-tumbling day, Nissanka was unbeaten on 210 off 139 deliveries, as Sri Lanka finished on 381 for 3 in the first innings.

Avishka Fernando with a run-a-ball 88, was the next highest scorer, as he and Nissanka put on a 182-run opening stand – Sri Lanka’s first century opening stand in nine innings, and just the third to hit double digits in that period. But that was just the start of Afghanistan’s misery.

The visitors, who had opted to go with a four-strong seam attack, were left to rue their decision to bowl first having won the toss, with conditions proving ideal for batting. After a subdued start in the opening five in which just 22 runs were scored, Nissanka began to let loose.

There was a subdued period through the middle overs when Mohammed Nabi was rifling through his overs, but at the start and at the death the Afghan bowlers were at Nissanka’s mercy.

Azmatullah Omarzai was the first to feel the heat, taken for back-to-back boundaries through midwicket and then cover. Two overs later Fareed Ahmad was taken for 19, inclusive of two fours and a six – the latter off a free hit. Ahmad would go for a further 17 in his next over, Avishka doing the brunt of the damage on that occasion, as Sri Lanka raced to 90 by the end of the 10th over.

Scores:
Sri Lanka 381 for 3 in 50 overs  (Pathum Nissanka 210*, Avishka Fernando 88, Sadeera Samarawickrama 44;  Fareed Ahmad 2-79) vs Afghanistan

(Cricinfo)