(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Pathum Nissanka pushed through pain and the baking Colombo heat to post a maiden ODI century that sunk Australia in the third one-day international and gave Sri Lanka a 2-1 lead in the series.
Captain Aaron Finch, who won the toss and batted first, anticipated the R.Premadasa Stadium surface would offer increasing amounts of turn as the evening wore on yet Nissanka (137 from 147 balls) and Kusal Mendis (87 off 85) tamed a depleted Australian attack with comfort and flair under lights.
The pair put on 170 for the second wicket before Mendis was forced to retire hurt with what appeared to be bad cramps, as Nissanka played his finest hand in coloured clothing for Sri Lanka and eclipsed his previous ODI best of 75.
It marked the first time Sri Lanka have chased down more than 290 after being inserted in by a top-tier ODI team at their nation’s premier cricket stadium.
