Sri Lanka clinched a commanding 42-run victory over Afghanistan in the first match of their three-game, one-day international series at Pallekele, propelled by an extraordinary double century from Pathum Nissanka.
In pursuit of a challenging target of 382, Afghanistan faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 55-5. However, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai orchestrated a stunning back, both scoring centuries in their team's total of 339 for six.
Nissanka's unbeaten 210 not only secured Sri Lanka's victory but also marked the country's first-ever ODI double hundred, surpassing Sanath Jayasuriya's previous record of 189 set in 2000. This outstanding inning also ranked as the joint fifth-highest individual score in ODIs.
Pramod Madushan, Sri Lanka's seamer, expressed his excitement about the historic performance, stating, "We are absolutely thrilled with that performance.
It was great to be part of the dressing room in such a historic moment. It was tough out there, but Pathum did well to soak up all the pressure and put us on top."
Sri Lanka's total of 381-3 became their largest at the Pallekele Ground and the team's fourth-highest overall.
Nissanka's remarkable innings featured 20 fours and eight sixes in his first ODI appearance since the World Cup, making a significant impact on the match.
Despite the early challenges in Afghanistan's formidable chase, Madushan claimed four wickets, finishing with match figures of 4-75.
Dushmantha Chameera took the other two wickets but left the field with apparent back pain midway through his eighth over.
In a notable partnership, Omarzai (149 not out) and Nabi (136) staged a remarkable comeback, putting together a 242-run stand for the sixth wicket—Afghanistan's second-highest in ODIs—momentarily unsettling Sri Lanka.
Omarzai's maiden century was achieved with a flicked six-off pacer, Janith Liyanage. Avishka Fernando also contributed significantly with 88 runs, and skipper Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama made notable contributions, setting the stage for Nissanka's record-breaking feat.
