Pathum Nissanka Shines with Record-Breaking Double Century as Sri Lanka Defeats Afghanistan in First ODI

In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Pathum Nissanka of Sri Lanka etched his name in the record books by scoring a historic double century in the first ODI against Afghanistan at the picturesque Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. This outstanding performance propelled Sri Lanka to a thrilling 42-run victory over a determined Afghanistan side.

Despite Sri Lanka posting an imposing total of 381/3, Afghanistan showcased resilience in their chase, with Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai forging a formidable partnership of 242 runs – the second-highest in ODI history. However, their efforts fell short as they could only muster 339/6 by the end of their innings.

Nissanka’s unbeaten knock of 210 runs, which included an array of breathtaking strokes and impeccable timing, earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award. This milestone double century marked a historic moment for Sri Lankan cricket, surpassing the previous record held by legendary Sanath Jayasuriya.

Opening the innings alongside Avishka Fernando, Nissanka laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s imposing total with a brilliant 182-run partnership. His masterful innings, which saw him reach his century in just 88 balls, set the stage for Sri Lanka’s commanding performance.

The hosts’ victory not only signifies their dominance in the series but also highlights Nissanka’s emergence as a formidable force in international cricket. With the second ODI scheduled to take place soon, Sri Lanka will aim to continue their winning momentum and clinch the series against Afghanistan.