Pathum Nissanka scripted history for Sri Lanka by smashing a double hundred against Afghanistan in the first ODI match in Pallekele on Friday, February 9. Nissanka scored 210* off just 139 balls to register a maiden individual double century for Sri Lanka in their ODI cricket history.
The 25-year-old opener also broke the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya's all-time record for highest ODI score of 189 for Sri Lanka, which came against India at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in 2000. Nissanka's heroics boosted Sri Lanka to a total of 381/3 in 50 overs, their biggest score against Afghanistan in ODIs, and the highest first innings total at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Nissanka ended Sri Lanka's long wait for the individual double ton in 50-over cricket by smashing a four off Fareed Ahmad in the 50th over. Nissanka registered 20 fours and eight sixes during his blistering unbeaten smashing of Afghan bowlers. He also recorded the joint fifth-highest ODI scores surpassing the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Shubman Gill and Glenn Maxwell.
Highest individual ODI scores for Sri Lanka:
- 210* vs Afghanistan - Pathum Nissanka in Pallekele (Today)
- 189 vs India - Sanath Jayasuriya in Sharjah, 2000
- 174* vs India - Upul Tharanga in Kingston, 2013
- 169 vs South Africa - Kumar Sangakkara in Colombo, 2013
- 161* vs Bangladesh - Tillakaratne Dilshan in Melbourne, 2015
Nissanka also ended his poor run of form by smashing his first ODI century since July 2023. The right-handed batter took only 136 balls to reach the 200-run mark, producing the third-fastest double century in ODI history after Ishan Kishan's 126-ball smashing against Bangladesh in 2022 and Glenn Maxwell's memorable 128-ball double ton in the recent ODI World Cup 2023 in Chennai.
Sri Lanka also posted their fourth-highest total in ODIs and their third 300-plus total against Afghanistan. Apart from Nissanka, opener Avishka Fernando scored 88 off 88 balls and Sadeera Samarawickrama added quick 45 runs to contribute in a huge total.
