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SL vs SA | Avishka Fernando hits third ODI ton, propels Sri Lanka to big total

Abhishek Singh

Sri Lanka’s opening batter Avishka Fernando brought up his third ODI century as he scored a classic 118 off 115 balls against South Africa in the first of the three ODIs at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Courtesy to his hundred, Sri Lanka were cruising to great first innings total having made 234 in the 43rd over. 

However, the batter was dismissed trying to further increase the tempo of the innings off the bowling of Tabraiz Shamsi, getting caught by Andile Phehlukwayo. This is Avishka’s first ton in 2021 having got two fifties against India earlier this year. His previous two centuries came in 2019 and 2020 against West Indies during the World Cup at Chester-Lee-Street, Riverside and at home in Hambantota respectively. 

In this innings of his, the 23-year-old hit 10 fours and two sixes and looked hugely impressive with his running between the wickets as well. 

Tom Moody, Sri Lanka’s Director of Cricket was mighty impressed by the batter’s efforts to this time convert the start that he got into a hundred. The Australian tweeted in favour of the man born in a coastal town named Wadduwa. 

Fernando remained an anchor throughout the innings adding 57 for the first wicket with Minod Bhanuka, 79 for the third wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva and 97 for the fourth wicket with Charith Asalanka with the last partnership coming in just 71 balls. 

Overall, Avishka has now accumulated 946 runs in 24 innings with an average of 39.14 and at a strike rate of more than 90. 

Sri Lankan went on to score 300-9 in 50 overs as Asalanka scored a brilliant 72 off 62 balls as the team scored 90 runs in the last 10 overs.

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