In a masterful show of cricketing prowess, Sri Lanka orchestrated a complete 3-0 sequence whitewash towards Afghanistan on the Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (February 14). The third ODI unfolded with an enchanting conflict, that includes fascinating performances and a decisive knock from the ever-impressive Pathum Nissanka, who was ultimately named Participant of the Match and Participant of the Sequence as properly.
Afghanistan’s spirited effort
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan commenced with a spirited effort, buoyed by Rahmanullah Gurbaz‘s attacking start and Ibrahim Zadran‘s calculated aggression. The duo set the stage, amassing 36 runs in just four overs. However, the dismissal of Ibrahim due to Avishka Fernando‘s quick fielding marked a turning point, and the lower order struggled to build momentum. Despite Rahmat Shah‘s steadfast innings of 65 and partnerships with Azmatullah Omarzai and Ikram Alikhil, Afghanistan posted a challenging but ultimately insufficient score of 266/10 in 48.2 overs.
Sri Lanka’s dominant response
Sri Lanka’s reply was marked by a unprecedented opening partnership of 173 runs, with Fernando delivering a stable 91-run efficiency. Nevertheless, it was Nissanka who stole the limelight as soon as once more with a commanding century. Nissanka’s chic type, beforehand highlighted by a double-century within the sequence, showcased his consistency and sophistication. Kusal Mendis contributed a brisk 40, making certain Sri Lanka stayed comfortably on the right track for victory.
Pathum Nissanka’s knock: A function of brilliance
The standout function of the match was undeniably Pathum Nissanka’s innings. His adept stroke play, unwavering focus, and talent to anchor the innings have elevated him as a linchpin in Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Nissanka’s century on this match additional cements his status as a batsman of extraordinary caliber, able to dominating the opposition with grace and authority.
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Flawless execution and whitewash
Regardless of minor hiccups in direction of the top, Sri Lanka’s chase remained nearly flawless, showcasing the staff’s collective power and willpower. The seven-wicket victory with virtually 15 overs to spare underscored Sri Lanka’s dominance all through the sequence. The medical efficiency not solely secured a whitewash but additionally highlighted the emergence of Nissanka as a key protagonist in Sri Lanka’s cricketing narrative.
Right here’s how Twitter reacted:
A dominant sequence victory by SL🇱🇰👏
It’s superb to see the way in which Nissanka has carried out on this sequence. A stable and an aggressive opening batsman of his high quality will do wonders for SLC in LOIs🤩
Properly performed staff🙌#SLvAFG— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) February 14, 2024
Congrats to Pathum Nissanka.
The quickest Sri Lankan to 2000 ODI runs.
The most effective batsman within the nation in the meanwhile.#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/Tim5g0Ia1n— S (@Sakun_SD) February 14, 2024
I might get used to this celebration you already know.
fifth ODI century and the quickest Sri Lankan to 2000 ODI runs.
Pathum Nissanka 🔥 #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/pbhAGLuXfD
— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) February 14, 2024
• Double Hundred in 1st match of the sequence.
• Hundred in third match of the sequence.Take a bow, Pathum Nissanka – Phenomenal batting show on this sequence. He’s in The shape his life… #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/ftICqJdzSB
— Thurunu Jayasiri (@ThurunuJ) February 14, 2024
Sri Lanka DOMINATE! 🇱🇰 They whitewash Afghanistan 3-0 within the ODI sequence, their first clear sweep since 2020! #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/QcaR29BzN0
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) February 14, 2024
Sri Lanka comfortably gained the match and the sequence 3-0 with the Nissanka taking house participant of the match and participant of the sequence. 🇱🇰👊#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/9KpOPKpS2M
— Shan Akku (@akkuslc) February 14, 2024
Domination from begin to end! Sri Lanka sweep the ODI sequence towards Afghanistan 3️⃣-0️⃣, successful the ultimate match by 7 wickets. 🇱🇰🏆🇱🇰#SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/9D5g4LO6ib
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 14, 2024
Pathum Nissanka has turn out to be the quickest Sri Lankan to attain 2000 ODI runs. Upul Tharanga had received to the milestone in his 63rd innings. Nissanka wanted simply 52 innings.
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) February 14, 2024
Good effort by Sri Lanka to whitewash Afghanistan. Nice to see the bench power rising to the event. Congratulations Kusal Mendis and the staff.
— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) February 14, 2024
Defeat in Kandy!
One other powerful day within the workplace for AfghanAtalan, as they’ve didn’t defend the goal within the third recreation. Congratulations to Sri Lanka for successful the sport by 7 wickets and taking the sequence 3-0. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #SLvAFG2024 pic.twitter.com/EF54oKYcxV
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 14, 2024
Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets within the third and last ODI: https://t.co/nk24moiKs0#cricket #SLvAFG #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/6idKa7IiXB
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 15, 2024