2nd ODI: Nissanka slams his maiden ODI ton against Bangladesh
Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka played a sensational knock against Bangladesh in the second ODI in Chattogram. The dasher slammed his sixth ODI century while smashing his first 50-plus score against the Bangla Tigers. His 113-ball 114 was laced with 13 boundaries and three sixes. His exceptional batting performance allowed the visitors to register a three-wicket win as SL level the three-match series 1-1.
A calculative hand from Nissanka
Nissanka was determined to make a mark after missing out on his start in the first ODI. SL were in trouble early on as they lost Avishka Fernando. He added 42 runs with Kusal Mendis before the latter departed. SL were reeling 43/3 when Nissanka and Charith Asalanka stitched up a crucial partnership of 185 runs as they eventually chased down 287.
A look at his numbers in ODI cricket
Playing his 54th ODI, the opener has raced to 2,224 runs at an average above 45.38 This was his sixth ODI century while he has smashed 13 fifties in this format. However, this was his first ODI fifty-plus score against Bangladesh, scoring 273 runs from eight matches. Nissanka is in great form as his highest ODI score of 210* came against Afghanistan last month.
Joint-most 50-plus scores in ODIs since 2023
With this hundred, Nissanka has continued his exceptional form in ODIs since 2023. As per analyst Sahil Pednekar, he owns the joint-most 50-plus scores in ODIs since 2023 (14). He has matched the tally of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill with 14 such scores.
Highest fourth-wicket partnership for SL in ODIs
Nissanka and Asalanka added 185 runs together for SL for the fourth wicket. They have now registered the highest fourth-wicket partnership in this format. They surpassed the 171*-run stand between Roshan Mahanama and Arjuna Ranatunga against West Indies in 1997. Marvan Atapattu and Aravinda de Silva's 152-run stand against South Africa in 2003 is in third position among SL's best fourth-wicket partnerships in ODIs.
Here's the match summary
Bangladesh posted a fighting total of 286/7 from their 50 overs due to fifties from Soumya Sarkar (68) and Towhid Hridoy (96*). Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga was splendid for SL with his 4/45. In reply, SL were reeling at 43/3 before Nissanka and Asalanka (91) added 185 runs together. Sri Lanka were in command and got past the line. Hasaranga scored a 16-ball 25.
