Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan: 5 talking points in 3rd ODI

Sri Lanka registered a four-wicket win over Afghanistan and leveled the series at 1-1 at Pallekele on Wednesday. Here are the 5 talking points in the 3rd ODI between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan 

Ibrahim Zadran record breaking hundred

Afghanistan opening batsman Ibrahim Zadran scored his second hundred in this series. He made 162 runs in 138 balls with 15 fours and 4 sixes. This was recorded as the highest individual score by an Afghanistan batsman and the highest score at Pallekele. Zadran’s innings helped Afghanistan’s team post a huge total on the board. 

Two Zadran’s partnership 

Afghanistan’s two Zadrans, Ibrahim Zadran and Najibullah Zadran, made a 154-run partnership for the 4th wicket and set the platform for the big total. Most importantly, they formed this partnership when Afghanistan was struggling with 57 for the loss of 3 wickets. 

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opening stand 

Sri Lanka openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis made a 101-run partnership for the first wicket with a healthy run rate. Kusal Mendis was the main contributor with 67 runs. This partnership set the momentum for the great chase. 

Charith Asalanka Match winning knock 

Sri Lanka’s middle order batsman, Charith Asalanka, scored an unbeaten 83 runs in 72 balls with five fours and four sixes. He played a crucial role in three partnerships with Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, and Dunith Wellalage, respectively. Asalanka was having cramps in the middle, but he held his neave and played a match-winning knock and finished off in style with a six. 

Dunith Wellalage cameo 

Youngster Dunith Wellalage played a little cameo of an inning. He scored an unbeaten 31 runs in 21 balls with four fours and a six. This inning released the pressure from Charith Asalanka, who suffered an injury at the other end.