Nissanka becomes first Sri Lankan to smash ODI double century

Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka created history when he became the first batter from the country to reach the 200-run mark in ODIs. Nissanka scored the country's first-ever double century in the format during the first ODI of the series against Afghanistan in Pallekele.

The opener remained unbeaten on 210 off just 139 balls, smashing 20 fours and eight sixes in a magnificent knock, steering Sri Lanka to a mammoth score of 381/3. Nissanka's 210* is the fifth-highest individual score in ODI history, and he is the fifth batter to have carried the bat after scoring a double century.

Justifiably, Nissanka also registered the highest individual score for Sri Lanka in ODIs, surpassing former opener Sanath Jayasuriya, whose 189 against India stood as a record for over 23 years.

In fact, Jayasuriya also took to social media platform X to congratulate Nissanka. “Congratulations to Pathum on a masterclass in batting. I am so so privileged to witness it in person pure bliss,” wrote the former Sri Lanka captain.