The 38th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle. The game witnessed an electrifying batting display from Sri Lanka’s charismatic batter, Charith Asalanka. While the Islanders faced a few hiccups early in the contest, Asalanka’s remarkable century ensured that his team reached a competitive total. Standing tall at one end, the left-handed batter powered Sri Lanka to a formidable 279-run total.
Asalanka’s knock was a testament to his class and his ability to perform under pressure. Facing the formidable Bangladesh bowling attack, he treated fans to a mesmerizing array of shots and left the cricketing world in awe.
Bangladesh build early pressure on Sri Lanka
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing early wickets. Kusal Perera departed with just five runs on the board, and Kusal Mendis followed shortly, leaving Sri Lanka at 66-2. The responsibility then fell on the shoulders of Asalanka, who, in collaboration with Pathum Nissanka, began to rebuild the innings.
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Charith Asalanka’s determination and heroic century
Asalanka’s innings was nothing short of heroic. With determination and grace, he showcased his incredible talent and power. His partnership with Nissanka, who contributed a vital 41 runs, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s resurgence. He scored a brilliant 108 from 105 deliveries, comprising six fours and five sixes. The 26-year-old’s innings was a treat for cricket enthusiasts and a testament to his temperament under pressure that showcased resilience, skill, and flair.
Throughout the innings, Asalanka saw his teammates come and go. Sri Lanka’s batting order suffered some early setbacks, but his determination and elegance kept the ship steady. Although Sri Lanka’s seasoned campaigner Angelo Mathews was controversially dismissed at a crucial juncture of the game due to “time out”, Asalanka’s monumental century kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive in the game.
Heartwarming reactions
As the cricketing world witnessed Asalanka’s scintillating century, fans from around the globe poured their admiration and love for his exceptional performance. Social media platforms were abuzz with heartwarming reactions and praise for the young Sri Lankan sensation. Asalanka had left fans spellbound with his class and style.
Here’s how fans reacted:
HUNDRED FOR CHARITH ASALANKA…!!!
Sri Lanka in big trouble, Champions Trophy qualification on line and Asalanka smashed a brilliant hundred – one to remember in his career. pic.twitter.com/q2KmoK0RLh
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 6, 2023
HUNDRED BY CHARITH ASALANKA….!!!
A marvelous century against Bangladesh in Delhi by Asalanka – team was struggling and he stepped up to score a brilliant ton. pic.twitter.com/Wqo3XcvXrm
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 6, 2023
100 for Charith Asalanka.
A much needed knock!! pic.twitter.com/8bL5ppTj8P
— Kanishka Roshan (@KrosaniTy) November 6, 2023
Charith Asalanka has scored most no. of runs & most 50+ scores at No.5 position in last 5 years in ODIs…
He played his 1st ODI just 2.5 years ago…
AsaLanka turning out to be Asal(real) hero for Lanka…#BANvSL#CricketTwitter#CricketWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/juOxpaSgSY
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) November 6, 2023
Second ODI hundred for Charith Asalanka and he couldn’t have chosen a better time 👌
#CWC23 #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/1NwmQj1rgr— Dr Syed Hassan Raza Mashadi-CBA🌸 (@DrHassanRazaCBA) November 6, 2023
Excellent 💯 under immense pressure by Charith Asalanka against Bangladesh in Dehli. pic.twitter.com/pPzyKddL4C
— Shahzaib Ali 🇵🇰 (@DSBcricket) November 6, 2023
A maiden World Cup hundred for Charith Asalanka 🙌
His second ODI 💯 comes at a vital time for Sri Lanka!
Great Bat in Pressure situation 🏏
#BANvSL #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/BtV6R1oJZm— Tariq Khan Khattar (@Tariq_2427) November 6, 2023
CHARITH ASALANKA SLAMS A HUNDRED WITH SRI LANKA’S CHAMPIONS TROPHY QUALIFICATION ON THE LINE 🔥🔥🔥 #CWC23 #SLvsBAN pic.twitter.com/IpiD7UBgjH
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) November 6, 2023
Charith Asalanka celebrates his century with a first-ever World Cup century for Sri Lanka! 👏#CharithAsalanka | #SLvBAN | #SLvsBAN | #BANvsSL | #BANvSL | #CricketWorldCup2023 pic.twitter.com/IRXyYwpRwA
— Muhammad Taha (@Taha_verse) November 6, 2023
That’s an absolutely stunning innings by Charith Asalanka! He has batted brilliantly when it mattered the most for his team and scoring his second ODI century in such a crucial moment. #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/M4eC8LpOLO
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952_) November 6, 2023
Charith Asalanka scores his second ODI hundred 💯 and it’s a very special one that comes in a must-win World Cup match 💯👏👏 pic.twitter.com/dBSo3mudQa
— Tanveer Hassan (@tanveercric56_) November 6, 2023
A well-made hundred from CHARITH ASALANKA!#CharithAsalanka | #CWC23 | #BANvSL pic.twitter.com/gjeZqCktXg
— Dennis (@BatBallDennis) November 6, 2023
Crucial century for Charith Asalanka against bangladesh ❤️
WELL PLAYED 👏 pic.twitter.com/aS6IkVVQtB
— Shivam Dubey (@ShivamDubey45) November 6, 2023
HUNDRED FOR CHARITH ASALANKA…!!!
Sri Lanka in big trouble, Champions Trophy qualification on line and Asalanka smashed a brilliant hundred – one to remember in his career.
Game is on….Rivalry is real. pic.twitter.com/RmbJDLhig3— 🇮🇳Kim Jong OF Cricket 💤 (@abhisharma5793) November 6, 2023
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