Pathum Nissanka Scripts History with First Double Century for Sri Lanka in ODIs

Pathum Nissanka has etched his name in the annals of cricket history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to score a double century in One Day Internationals (ODIs). His unbeaten 210 also stands as the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in ODIs, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya’s 189 against India in Sharjah in 2000.

Opening the innings for Sri Lanka after Afghanistan’s skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi elected to field, Nissanka had a shaky start. However, once he found his rhythm, he unleashed a flurry of shots.

Pathum Nissanka becomes the first-ever Sri Lanka batter to score a Men’s ODI double hundred #SLvAFG pic.twitter.com/1VxXk664SQ

He stitched a 182-run partnership for the first wicket with Avishka Fernando. Even after Fernando’s dismissal in the 27th over, Nissanka continued his onslaught, reaching his century in the 32nd over off 88 balls.

In the final 18 overs, Nissanka hammered 110 runs, taking just 48 balls to reach his double ton after crossing the century mark. His explosive innings, featuring 20 fours and eight sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a mammoth total of 381/3 in 50 overs.

Nissanka’s 210* is the joint-fifth-highest score in men’s ODIs and the 12th double ton in the history of men’s ODI cricket.

Highest individual scores in Men’s ODIs