Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score double century in ODIs – CricBlog

Cricket News: Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score double century in ODIs | Reactions to Pathum Nissanka’s double ton

Amid the plethora of T20s around the world, Pathum Nissanka made history in the ODI format at Pallekele against Afghanistan. The opener became the first Sri Lankan to notch a double century in ODIs, achieving the feat in his 50th match. When you consider the greats who donned the Sri Lankan kit over the years, Nissanka can certainly be proud of his achievement.

Nissanka saw it like a football as he showed no mercy on the Afghanistan bowlers. After he was starved of the strike in the opening few overs, Nissanka wasted no time in getting going, hitting 34 off his 23 balls – a period where he usually likes to take his time to get settled.

From there, Nissanka and Avishka Fernando went on a rampage, hitting 182 at seven runs per over for the opening wicket after being sent in to bat. Avishka was dismissed, but Nissanka continued on his merry way, finishing with 20 fours and eight sixes in his 210* off 139 balls to take his career average to 43.07.

Also impressive was the opener’s control percentage in what was the third-fastest double century ever in ODIs. Amid the carnage, he finished with 87% control on a good surface for batting, combining his 55 singles and 12 twos with superb boundary-hitting.

Pathum Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to score 200 in ODIs

In the process, Nissanka broke Sanath Jayasuriya’s previous highest of 189. In fact, the Sri Lankan great was in attendance to witness the moment. Here are some reactions to the superb achievement.

Sri Lanka finished with 381/3 – their biggest total since 2009. This is their fourth-highest ODI total in history, behind 443/9 (vs. Netherlands), 411/8 (vs. India), and 398/5 (vs. Kenya). It is a day their fans will remember, as will Pathum Nissanka, who has earnt a special place in the history books.