Kamindu hits maiden ODI ton as Sri Lanka set Pakistan 326 in final
LAHORE: Kamindu Mendis hit a maiden ODI century and in-form Pavan Rathnayake scored 77 to guide Sri Lanka to 325-8 in the tri-series final against Pakistan in Lahore on Saturday. Kamindu scored 131 off 128 balls and was ably supported by Rathnayake after Pakistan won the toss and sent the tourists in to bat on a slow-paced Gaddafi Stadium pitch. The pair added 146 runs for the third wicket before…
In a thrilling final of the tri-series at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, Kamindu Mendis achieved a maiden ODI century, propelling Sri Lanka to a formidable score of 325-8 in their chase against Pakistan. Mendis displayed his batting prowess, scoring an impressive 131 runs off just 128 balls. His partnership with in-form Pavan Rathnayake, who contributed 77 runs, proved crucial in setting a challenging target for Pakistan.
The duo's collaborative effort, adding 146 runs for the third wicket, laid the foundation for Sri Lanka's imposing total. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Pakistan's captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi, dismissed Mendis and Dasun Shanaka in quick succession within two overs. Mendis was out for 17 runs, and Shanaka for 17 as well.
Despite the early wickets, Mendis and Avishka Fernando (38 runs) managed to keep the scoreboard ticking. Their opening stand of 87 runs in just 18 overs provided Sri Lanka with a solid platform. The crucial support came from spinner Salman Agha, who took 2-44, claiming two vital wickets, including those of Fernando and Kusal Mendis. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, Avishka Fernando was also dismissed by Agha.
With the total firmly in Sri Lanka's favor, Pakistan staged a remarkable comeback in the final five overs. They managed to take three crucial wickets for just 38 runs, effectively nullifying the margin Sri Lanka had built. Shaheen finished with impressive figures of 2-50, while Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah each claimed two wickets.
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