Did Pathum Nissanka Deliver the Big Hundred That Sri Lanka Needed?
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Synopsis
Sri Lanka's cricket team celebrated a momentous victory in Harare, with captain Charith Asalanka praising Pathum Nissanka for his stellar century. This achievement secured the island nation its first overseas ODI series win in six years. Delve into how this historic moment unfolded and the implications it holds for the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Pathum Nissanka's century was pivotal for Sri Lanka.
- Asalanka's leadership helped stabilize the innings.
- Younger players showed great composure under pressure.
- Zimbabwe missed crucial chances to change the game.
- This series win signifies a turning point for Sri Lankan cricket.
Harare, Sep 1 (NationPress) Sri Lanka's captain Charith Asalanka praised opener Pathum Nissanka for his remarkable performance, delivering “the big hundred” that led to the nation’s first overseas ODI series victory in six years, as they triumphed over Zimbabwe by five wickets in the second and final match on Sunday.
“I was eager to witness a significant hundred and Pathum delivered just that. Both teams put up a tough fight. I simply urged the team to focus on the basics,” Asalanka was quoted as saying by ICC.
Nissanka, who had struggled for runs in previous ODIs, found his form again with an impressive 122 off 136 balls, including 16 boundaries. This marked his seventh ODI century, following a crucial 76 in the first game, making him the standout player of the series.
“It’s been a while since I found my rhythm in one-day internationals, so I’m thrilled to have scored here,” Nissanka commented. “Batting during the powerplay was challenging, and the Zimbabwe bowlers performed exceptionally, but I believed in myself.”
Asalanka contributed significantly to the chase, scoring a smooth 71 from 61 balls to stabilize the innings after Nissanka’s exit. The skipper acknowledged the younger players of Sri Lanka for maintaining their composure in critical moments. “The young players are doing a commendable job for the team. I encouraged the batters to minimize risks and run hard. They did exactly that,” he stated.
For Zimbabwe, Sean Williams admitted that his team had missed crucial chances that could have altered the match's outcome. “The series could have unfolded differently. It could have been 1-1,” he remarked. “Today, we failed to seize opportunities to be more aggressive during the middle overs. Small chances can make a significant difference at the end.”
The 2-0 victory marked Sri Lanka’s first away ODI series win since their triumph over Scotland in 2019, ending a prolonged dry spell on foreign soil. Both teams will now shift their focus to the three-match T20I series commencing on September 3 in Harare.
Point of View
This victory serves as a significant turning point for Sri Lanka's cricketing journey. The emergence of young talents like Pathum Nissanka is promising, showcasing the potential for future success. This series win not only boosts team morale but also reignites hope among fans, proving that perseverance pays off.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the significance of Nissanka's performance?
Pathum Nissanka's century was crucial in securing Sri Lanka's first overseas ODI series win in six years, demonstrating his return to form and impact on the team's success.
How did the match conclude?
Sri Lanka defeated Zimbabwe by five wickets in the second ODI, successfully chasing down the target set by Zimbabwe.
What did Charith Asalanka say about the young players?
Asalanka praised the younger players for their composure under pressure, highlighting their vital contributions to the team's victory.
When does the T20I series begin?
The three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe is set to commence on September 3 in Harare.
What opportunities did Zimbabwe miss during the match?
Zimbabwe's Sean Williams acknowledged that his team missed key opportunities to be more aggressive during the middle overs, which could have changed the match outcome.
