Mendis fifty headlines strong Lankan batting show
Led by a fine half-century from Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka put up a collective effort to post 323/6 having opting to bat against Afghanistan in the second ODI at Hambantota on Sunday (June 4). Having suffered a heavy defeat in the opening game of the series, the Lankans needed to bounce back strongly. The foundation for a big score was set up by openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka whose 82-run stand set the tone for the innings. Although they fell in quick succession, Mendis kept the momentum going with good support from Sadeera Samarawickrama, with the pair adding 88 for the third wicket. There was a mini-collapse towards the end but the trio of Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dhananjaya de Silva ensured that the hard work of the top order batters didn’t go to waste. The final six overs produced 68 runs as the hosts got an above-par total on a used surface. Unlike the first ODI, Afghanistan’s bowlers lacked the bite with the spinners being surprisingly inept. It appears to be another fine batting surface but with the track being used once already, it is on the slower side and the Sri Lankan spinners should get some purchase. Brief scores: Sri Lanka 323-6 (Kusal Mendis 78, Dimuth Karunaratne 52, Nabi 2-52, Fareed 2-61) vs Afghanistan (Cricbuzz)
