Nissanka and Avishka blitz Afghanistan in Sri Lanka’s clean sweep

Sri Lanka made light work of a potentially tricky target of 267, running it down in just 35.2 overs as they completed a dominant seven-wicket win in the third and final ODI in Pallekele, and with it secured a 3-0 whitewash of the series.

Pathum Nissanka recorded his second century in three games to become the highest run-scorer in a three-match series for Sri Lanka with 346 runs. Here he racked up a 101-ball 118, and in the process became the fastest Sri Lankan to 2000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in 53 games – 11 games quicker than next fastest Upul Tharanga.

But for much of his innings, Nissanka was content to play the supporting role as Avishka Fernando broke the spine of the chase during a belligerent 66-ball 91. Having offered up his customary early chance – an inside edge on 10 that Ikram Alikhil not only failed to hold on to, but one that ended up injuring his finger and ruling him out of the game entirely – Avishka proceeded to punish the Afghans in an innings that included 10 fours and five sixes.

Afghanistan did themselves few favours, straying short of a length for four of those five sixes as Avishka disdainfully picked them up over the leg side. His mistimed drive to extra cover saw him fall nine runs short of a fourth ODI ton, but by then Sri Lanka had piled on 173 runs – their second 150-plus opening stand of the series.

The onslaught though only continued following his dismissal as Nissanka duly upped his scoring rate and Kusal Mendis joined in on the festivities. Their stand of 78 came off just 55 deliveries, though neither was able to see the chase through to the finish, falling in quick succession.

That honour went to Charith Asalanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, who ran down the 14 runs with little fuss as Sri Lanka won with 88 balls to spare.

Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 266 all out, 48.2 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 48, Rahamat Shah 65, Azmatullah Omarzai 54, Ikram Alikhil 32;  Pramod Madushan 3-45, Dunith Wellalage 2-38, Asitha Fernando 2-44, Akila Dananjaya 2-54) lost to Sri Lanka 267/3 in 35.2 overs  (Pathum Nissanka 118,  Avishka Fernando 91, Kusal  Mendis 40; Qais Ahmad 2-46)  by 7 wickets (with 88 balls remaining)