Pathum Nissanka scored 137 runs in the third match of the ODI series against Australia to help Sri Lanka take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The Aussies started the series on a winning note, but the islanders have registered two wins in the previous two matches to take a 2-1 lead. A win in the next two matches will help the Sri Lankan side register a memorable series win over Australia.
Talking about the third ODI of the series which happened earlier today, Australia scored 291/6 in 50 overs after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Captain Aaron Finch scored an 85-ball 62 at the top, while Travis Head finished the innings in style with a 65-ball 70. Head smacked three fours and three sixes while batting at a strike rate of 107.
Jeffrey Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka. The spin bowler accounted for three wickets, conceding 49 runs in 10 overs. Chasing 292 to win the match, Sri Lanka got off to a decent start with Niroshan Dickwella and Pathum Nissanka scoring 42 runs for the first wicket. Dickwella lost his wicket in the powerplay, but Nissanka held one end and scored 137 runs.
It was Nissanka’s maiden ODI century, and he set a new record for the highest score by a Sri Lankan batter in ODI matches against Australia. Legend Sanath Jayasuriya previously held this record, having scored 122 runs in a match played in 2003.
Pathum Nissanka's 137 is the highest score for Sri Lanka against Australia in men's ODIs.
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 19, 2022
Previous highest was 122 by Sanath Jayasuriya in 2003.#SLvAUS
I am extremely pleased with the way I batted: Pathum Nissanka
Sharing his views on his performance after winning the Man of the Match award in the 3rd ODI, Pathum Nissanka was quoted as saying as follows by Sportskeeda Cricket:
“I am extremely pleased with the way I batted. It was a great challenge to bat under these conditions and battle the heat in first half. The surface was slow but I enjoyed batting here.”
