Pathum Nissanka shines once more as Sri Lanka completes a clean sweep in the ODI Series
Led by Pathum Nissanka’s outstanding 118, Sri Lanka comfortably clinched a 7-wicket triumph over Afghanistan in the third ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, securing a 3-0 series whitewash.
The hosts achieved victory with a commanding 14.4 overs to spare.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan launched a brisk start, with four boundaries cracking in the opening over.
Despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive start, Ibrahim Zadran took over, striking three more boundaries in the fourth over.
However, a risky attempt at a quick single led to Ibrahim’s downfall, caught short of his crease by Avishka Fernando’s sharp fielding at cover point.
Following a dynamic powerplay, Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah formed a solid 57-run partnership for the second wicket before Gurbaz fell just short of his half-century.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s dismissal followed soon after, requiring Rahmat to anchor the innings again, this time with Azmatullah Omarzai.
Both batsmen reached their respective half-centuries with calculated play, setting the stage for a late surge.
However, Afghanistan’s lower order struggled to accelerate, resulting in their dismissal for 266.
Pramod Madushan claimed three wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, and Akila Dananjaya secured two apiece.
In response, Sri Lanka’s batsmen mirrored Afghanistan’s aggressive approach.
Avishka Fernando accelerated in the seventh over, smashing boundaries and a six off Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Nissanka joined the onslaught, propelling Sri Lanka to 83 runs by the 10th over, with Avishka reaching his seventh ODI fifty.
Although the pace slowed after the powerplay, boundaries continued to flow.
Nissanka reached his fifty with a paddle sweep off Mohammad Nabi, while Avishka departed after a crucial 173-run partnership.
Despite a couple of chances for Nissanka, Sri Lanka cruised to victory in 35.2 overs, sealing the series whitewash.
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