Avishka Fernando, Mendis Shine In SL Victory

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Post on Nov 14, 2024

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Avishka Fernando and Mendis Shine in SL Victory

Colombo, Sri Lanka - A brilliant century by Avishka Fernando and a crucial knock from Dhananjaya de Silva powered Sri Lanka to a resounding 9-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the first ODI of the three-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.

Fernando, playing his first ODI since November 2022, smashed 113 off just 97 balls, hitting 16 fours and 3 sixes, to lay the foundation for Sri Lanka's successful chase of 182. De Silva played a supporting role, scoring a composed 47 off 54 balls, as the pair stitched a 158-run partnership for the second wicket.

Zimbabwe, put in to bat first, struggled to get going on a slow and low pitch. They were never able to build any significant partnerships, with only Sean Williams (53) managing to reach a half-century. The rest of the batting order failed to provide any support, as they were bowled out for 181 in 48.2 overs.

Sri Lanka's bowlers were disciplined and accurate throughout the innings. Dilshan Madushanka led the attack with impressive figures of 3/22, while Kasun Rajitha and Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets each.

The early loss of Pathum Nissanka (0) did little to dampen Sri Lanka's spirits. Fernando took the attack to the Zimbabwean bowlers, smashing boundaries with ease and playing with immense confidence. His aggressive approach put the Zimbabweans on the back foot, and the hosts never looked back from there.

Fernando's century was a special moment for the young batsman, who had been struggling for form in recent times. This innings showed that he is back to his best and is ready to play a crucial role in Sri Lanka's future.

"It was a good innings, I was really happy to get back into the ODI team and score a century," said Fernando after the match. "The pitch was a bit slow, but I tried to play my natural game and it worked for me."

De Silva, who was also instrumental in Sri Lanka's victory, praised his partner's innings.

"Avishka played a fantastic innings, he set the tempo for us right from the start," said De Silva. "It was a pleasure to bat with him. We are looking forward to winning the series now."

The second ODI of the series is scheduled to take place on Thursday at the same venue. Sri Lanka will be hoping to build on their winning momentum and secure a series victory.