We had a good plan for the third ODI and made the maximum effort to win the game said Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka after the match at R.Premadasa International cricket stadium on Sunday night.
Nissanka the prolific right hander made a superb knock of 137 in 147 balls with 11 fours and 2 sixes and also had a record second wicket partnership with Kusal Mendis.
In fact this was the 15th ODI for Nissanka and he was lucky to score his maiden ODI century against strong Australia. His 137 runs is the highest individual total by a Sri Lankan against Australia. Nissanka is the 29th Sri Lankan ODI centurion and was associated in a 170 run second wicket stand with Kusal Mendis .
We (my self and Kusal ) decided to stay at the wicket for 35 overs to chase 292 runs. Actually myself and Kusal Mendis played to a plan and that really worked out. Unfortunately Mendis retired hurt but he is getting back to normal for the next game today said Nissanka.
I always plan to play with more confidence.When my captain Dasun Shanaka give me a task I have to do my best for the team. I always tried to keep my mindset and play my natural game. but always keen to adjust accordingly to the match situation.
I am not thinking much but when I play the game I concentrate a lot added Nissanka.I always wanted to maintain my mental and physical fitness and have good commitment with my team members. The supporting staff give me good back up while all my family members including my parents encourage me .
We already have taken a 2-1 series lead and the way we played these three matches we have a good chance to win this series and plan to work hard for that said Pathum Nissanka.
Nissanka, the all-format star batter for Sri Lanka, was watchful at the beginning slowly started but he built up his innings to chase this massive total (292). In fact this is the highest chase ever for Sri Lanka at the R.Premadasa Stadium and the highest against Australia as well. This is also the first time in 20 years that Sri Lanka defeated Australia in two consecutive matches in Sri Lanka.
Nissanka the 24 year old cricketer hails from Kalutara started his career from Kalutara MV later crossed over to Isipathana College Colombo. Nissanka started his club cricket at NCC and has shone for NCC up to now and found a National team place. The present selection committee headed by Pramodya Wickramasingh took a brave decision to select this young player for all three formats. He has already played seven tests (494 runs),15 ODI' s ( 439 runs ) and 28 T20 ' s (628 runs) and his test batting average is 44.90 which all proved his skills as a batsman and more is expected for the team.
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