Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Kusal Mendis, found himself in need of medical attention after experiencing cramps following his sensational innings of 122 runs against Pakistan in the ICC World Cup match held this Tuesday.
In this remarkable display of talent, the 28-year-old dispatched six sixes and struck 14 boundaries during his 77-ball performance, marking the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in the ICC Cricket World Cup history.
His extraordinary contribution, in partnership with Sadeera Samarawickrama’s maiden ODI century (108 runs off 89 balls), propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 344/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
Regrettably, Mendis paid a physical toll for his exceptional effort and had to be substituted by Dushan Hemantha on the field, with Samarawickrama taking up wicketkeeping duties.
The Sri Lanka Cricket board issued a statement, confirming Mendis’s hospitalization, citing cramps as the cause: “Kusal Mendis was taken to the hospital after experiencing cramps upon his return from the field following his outstanding performance against Pakistan.”
In the end, Pakistan emerged victorious in the match, winning by six wickets, while the Sri Lankan team faced their second consecutive defeat.
