Pathum Nissanka’s ton leads Sri Lanka to historic series win in Bangladesh
View(s):A timely century from Pathum Nissanka helped the Sri Lanka Emerging team seal the three-match Unofficial ODI series in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka won the series 2-1
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. In the third over left-arm paceman Kalana Perera took the wicket of Mohammad Naim, as the opening partnership was restricted to just nine runs.
But the Lankans couldn’t capitalise on the early advantage as Saif Hassan and Najmul Hossain Shanto added 74 runs for the second wicket. At one stage the Bangladesh were three wickets down for 95 runs. But opener Hassan and Afif Hossain added 125 runs to resurrect the Bangladesh innings. Hassan scored an invaluable century to propel the host to 269 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allocated 50 overs.
For Sri Lanka Kalana Perera was the standout performer with the ball. He took two wickets for 47 runs in 10 overs, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Ramesh Mendis took one wicket each. The second innings of the match was reduced due to rain. Sri Lanka received a revised target of 199 runs from 24 overs.
Sri Lanka began their run chase in positively as the openers Pathum Nissanka and Hasitha Boyagoda added 64 runs. Nissanka then put on 122 runs for the third wicket with Minod Bhanuka, who hit 55 off 32 balls, inclusive of five fours and three sixes.
Nissanka remained unbeaten on 115 off 78 balls with eight fours and five sixes when Sri Lanka sealed the series. The un official Test series will commence on August 27 in Khulna.
Bangladesh Emerging 269 for 5 wickets (50) (Saif Hassan 117, Najmal Hossain 39, Afif Hossain 68n.o., Kalana Perera 2/47)
Sri Lanka Emerging 199 for 3 wickets (24) (Pathum Nissanka 115n.o., Minod Bhanuka 55)