The second ODI is being played between Sri Lanka and Australia at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In this match, Sri Lanka batted first and Kusal Mendis, who came to bat at number three, scored his fifth ODI century. Mendis completed his century in 113 balls. He hit 11 fours during this period. Mendis completed his century by taking 1 run off Aaron Hardy’s ball in the 43rd over of Sri Lanka’s innings.
As soon as he completed his century, Mendis took off his helmet and accepted the greetings of the audience and his teammates. The fans present in the stadium and the players sitting in the Sri Lankan dressing room honored his innings by clapping loudly on this special moment. However, Mendis got out as soon as he completed his century. Before getting out, he scored 101 runs in 115 balls. He hit 11 fours in this innings.
Kusal Mendis’ Century Lifts Sri Lanka’s Innings
This was Mendis’ fifth century in ODI cricket and 15th century in international cricket. Sri Lanka suffered the first blow at a score of 15 runs. Pathum Nissanka was bowled by Hardy. After this, Mendis came to bat at number 3 and he added 98 runs for the second wicket with Nishan Madhushka. Madhushka got out after scoring 51 runs in 70 balls. After this, Kamindu Mendis also returned to the pavilion after scoring 4 runs. But, Kusal Mendis stood firm at one end and he shared a 94-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Charith Asalanka and took Sri Lanka past the 200-run mark.
Sri Lanka’s Final Scorecard
- Kusal Mendis – 101 (115)
- Charith Asalanka – 78 (66)
- Nishan Madhushka – 51 (70)
- Kamindu Mendis – 4 (9)
- Janith Liyanage – 2 (21)
Total: 281/4 in 50 overs
After Kusal Mendis was out, Asalanka completed his half-century. Sri Lanka scored 281 runs for 4 wickets in 50 overs. Asalanka scored an unbeaten 78 runs in 66 balls. Janith Liyanage scored an unbeaten 2 runs in 21 balls.
