Player of the Match Pathum Nissanka acknowledges the cheers for his maiden ODI century

• Nissanka’s maiden ODI century carries team to victory 

 By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka took a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI series against Australia when they hunted down a record target of 292 to win by six wickets with nine balls to spare in the third ODI played to another packed R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

The stage for Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory was set by Pathum Nissanka who went on to score his maiden ODI century and the in-form Kusal Mendis who sadly had to retire with his score on 87 suffering from cramps.

The pair came together at 42 when Niroshan Dickwella who replaced the injured Danushka Gunathilaka was dismissed for 25, and put on 170 for the second wicket.

Dhananjaya de Silva who replaced Mendis played a cameo knock of 25 off 17 balls to edge Sri Lanka closer to victory.

Although Jhye Richardson removed an almost exhausted Nissanka for a classy 137 off 147 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes) and Dasun Shanaka for a second ball duck, in the 48th over, there was no denying victory for Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka, another exciting young talent in the side ensured that victory was achieved by hitting Josh Hazlewood for a six and then taking a single off the next delivery to spark off celebrations.

Player of the Match Nissanka’s innings was the highest by a Sri Lankan against Australia and, Sri Lanka’s run chase was their highest successful against Australia improving on the 283-7 in Hobart in 2012. It was also the highest successful run chase at this venue beating the previous best effort of 288-5 by India against Sri Lanka in 2012.

It was unfortunate that Mendis’ innings had to be curtailed when he was in full bloom and heading towards a well-deserved century having hit seven fours in his 85-ball innings. He was displaying the exciting talent that everyone knew he had but had only surfaced only sporadically.  

At the end of it all Australia was left to rue about their combination going with only specialist spinner Matthew Kuhnemann who conceded 61 runs without success and relying heavily on the spin of Glenn Maxwell and Marnus Labuschagne who together leaked 93 runs off 14 overs for one wicket. What went against the Australians was that the pitch even though on the slow side had somewhat eased out and become comfortable for batting.

Australia’s total could have been much lower than the imposing figure of 291-6 had Sri Lanka held onto the catches that came their way. Aaron Finch, Alex Carey, Maxwell and Cameron Green all profited to contribute towards Australia’s total.

Finch went onto score 62 off 85 balls (4 fours, 1 six), Carey 49 off 52 balls (3 fours, 1 six) and Maxwell 33 off 18 balls (3 fours, 1 six). Australia’s innings was strung together by some useful half-century partnerships. 

The one between Travis Head who went onto top score with a sparkling 70 off 65 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes) and Carey (70 off 80 balls for the fifth wicket) was outstanding for it laid the platform for Maxwell and Green to put the final touches in partnerships of 40 off 27 balls and 58* off 33 balls respectively with Head.

Jeffrey Vandersay picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs sending back Marnus Labuschagne and Finch to keep the Australian run rate in check and ended up with figures of three for 49, while Maheesh Theekshana was again unlucky to go wicketless.

The fourth ODI will be played at the same venue tomorrow.

Kusal Mendis late cuts for four during his knock of 87

Australia’s Travis Head on the offensive during his unbeaten knock of 70

Jeffrey Vandersay gets a pat on the head from his captain Dasun Shanaka after an excellent spell where he took three wickets

Gunathilaka joins Hasaranga in injury list