Avishka Fernando slams meticulous 96 against India: Key stats
What's the story
Sri Lanka batter Avishka Fernando smashed a brilliant 102-ball 96 in the 3rd ODI and final against India in Colombo. Fernando stitched an 89-run opening stand with Pathum Nissanka before taking SL past 150, after they elected to bat first. The former constantly rotated the strike throughout his knock. However, he ended up missing his fourth ODI ton.
Knock
Fernando shows his class in first half
Unlike the previous few games, SL's opening pair negotiated the Indian bowlers early in the match. Although both Fernando and Nissanka were scoring run-a-ball, the duo was unscathed. Fernando lost Nissanka after accumulating 89 runs but continued with his exploits. He took SL past 170 along with Mendis before falling to Riyan Parag. Fernando slammed 9 fours and 2 sixes in his 102-ball 96.
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SL's opening stand finally strikes
As per Cricbuzz, this was the first instance of SL recording a double-figure opening stand against in seven ODIs. Fernando's opening partner Nissanka scored a 65-ball 45 (5 fours and 2 sixes).
Century
Third ODI fifty against India
As mentioned, Fernando has raced to his eighth half-century in the 50-over format. He also has three tons to his name. Besides, it was his third half-century against India in ODI cricket. In 41 ODIs, Fernando has racked up 1,352 runs at an average of 32.97. His tally includes a healthy strike-rate of 91.41. Over 900 of his ODI runs have come at home.
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Over 300 ODI runs against India
With a spectacular knock, Fernando raced past 300 runs against India in ODI cricket. Notably, West Indies are the only other side against whom the Lankan batter owns over 300 runs in the format.