Kusal and Pathum renew the record against Australia

Sri Lankan openers are off to a solid start against Australia in the 14th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Monday. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, and Kusal Janith Perera and Pathum Nissanka opened the innings for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka added 125 runs in 130 balls for the first wicket until Pathum Nissanka was caught by Warner. Pathum Nissanka scored 61 runs, while Kusal Janith Perera contributed 54 runs.

It’s recored as the highest 1st wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against Australia in ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup matches. Previously, Dimuth Karunarathne and Kusal Janith Perera held the record with 115 runs in 93 balls in the 2019 World Cup at the Oval in England.

Highest first-wicket partnership for Sri Lanka against Australia in the Cricket World Cup

– Kusal Perera & Pathum Nissanka – 125 (2023)
– Kusal Perera & Dimuth Karunarathne – 115 (2019)
– Susil Fernando & Sidath Wettimuny – 71 (1983)