In the thrilling first ODI between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai made history but couldn’t secure victory for their team. Despite their remarkable efforts, Afghanistan fell short, thanks to Pathum Nissanka’s record-breaking double century.
At 39 years old, Mohammad Nabi surpassed cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, becoming one of the oldest centurions in ODI cricket. Partnering with Azmatullah Omarzai, they set a new world record for adding the most runs in ODIs after losing five wickets. However, Sri Lanka emerged victorious.
Nissanka achieved the first-ever double-century for Sri Lanka in ODIs, scoring an unbeaten 210 runs off 136 balls. This remarkable feat surpassed Sanath Jayasurya’s previous record of 189 runs against India. Nissanka’s 210* also became the highest ODI score against Afghanistan, surpassing Glenn Maxwell’s 201* in the previous ODI World Cup.
Sri Lanka set a formidable total of 381/3, the third-highest in their ODI history. Despite the challenging target, Afghanistan showcased resilience. When they were reduced to 55 for 5, Nabi and Omarzai initiated a stunning partnership, adding 242 runs for the sixth wicket. This partnership became the second-highest for the sixth wicket or lower in ODIs, trailing only New Zealand’s Grant Eliott and Luke Ronchi’s 267-run stand in 2015.
Nabi’s century at the age of 39 years and 39 days made him the sixth oldest centurion in ODI cricket, overtaking Tendulkar’s record. He scored 136 off 130 balls, while Omarzai remained unbeaten with 149* off 115 balls. Despite their heroics, Afghanistan couldn’t secure victory, making their partnership the highest in a losing cause.
Afghanistan’s total of 339/6 marked their highest ODI score and the most runs added by any team after losing five wickets. The match, played in Pallekele on Friday, proved to be a statistical marvel, with records tumbling and the cricketing world witnessing a spectacular display of skill and determination.
