Twitter reactions: Pathum Nissanka’s blazing century inspires Sri Lanka to big win over Australia in 3rd ODI

A splendid maiden ODI century from Pathum Nissanka and a tremendous innings from Kusal Mendis helped Sri Lanka chase down a record total to ease past Australia in the third ODI of the ongoing five-match series at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.

After conceding 291 runs in the first half of the game, Nissanka and Mendis set up the inspirational chase for the Islanders. The duo never let the run rate down and kept dominating the proceedings. Nissanka and Mendis added 170 runs for the second wicket before the latter got retired hurt.

Mendis scored 87 off 85 balls while Nissanka, who was active on the other end, smashed his maiden century to keep the hosts alive in the chase. The right-handed batter went on to score 137 off 147 balls with the help of 11 fours and 2 sixes before Jhye Richardson dismissed him when the team’s score read 285. Eventually, Sri Lanka finished the proceedings with 10 balls to spare and six wickets in hand.

Earlier, Travis Head and Aaron Finch powered Australia to a competitive total. While Finch smashed 62 off 85 balls at the top, Head provided the finishing touches by smoking an unbeaten 70 off 65 to propel Australia to 291/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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Pathum Nissanka (137) and Kusal Mendis (87) led the charge as Sri Lanka beat Australia by 6 wickets!

Sri Lanka take a 2️⃣-1️⃣ series lead 💪#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/RP4bDjrtTr

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 19, 2022

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Congratulations Pathum Nissanka for the brilliant 100, excellent batting by @KusalMendis13 well done @OfficialSLC on winning the third ODI let’s keep this up #SLvsAUS pic.twitter.com/HVZUWV0g7C

— Upul Tharanga (@upultharanga44) June 19, 2022

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Pathum Nissanka’s 137 is the highest score for Sri Lanka against Australia in men’s ODIs.

Previous highest was 122 by Sanath Jayasuriya in 2003.#SLvAUS

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 19, 2022

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Pathum Nissanka won the Player of the Match award for his brilliant 137 runs against Australia #LKA #SriLanka #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/MC6qxInT1R

— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 💉 (@SriLankaTweet) June 19, 2022

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🇱🇰 🏏 SRI LANKA WINS BY 6 WICKETS.

This is Sri Lanka’s highest successful ODI run chase at R Premadasa grounds chasing 292 against Australia.

Pathum Nissanka’s master class century of 137 along with Kusal Mendis’ 87 leads to an UNFORGETTABLE win.

SL leads series 2-1 #lka

— Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) June 19, 2022

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Record Alert : Sri Lanka records highest successful ODI run chase at R Premadasa stadium chasing 292 against Australia. 24 year old Pathum Nissanka scored a magnificent 137 with the support of Kusal Mendis 87. SL lead series 2-1 pic.twitter.com/oLCzsJjecp

— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) June 19, 2022

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One of the finest knocks ever by a Sri Lankan player in ODI, chasing 292 runs, 24-year-old Pathum Nissanka, who had an average of just 21.6 after playing 14 ODI then he scored 137 runs from 147 balls helped Sri Lanka to beat Australia by 6 wickets. Take a bow, Pathum Nissanka. pic.twitter.com/iKPjLBKGgO

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 19, 2022

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What a time to bring up your maiden ODI hundred 👏

Watch the #SLvAUS series on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) 📺

📝 Scorecard: https://t.co/JGMQ2j4yS4 pic.twitter.com/L6EMbjdXl6

— ICC (@ICC) June 19, 2022

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Fantastic Hundred and maiden ODI Hundred for 24-years old Pathum Nissanka. He scored 100* runs from 123 balls including 7 Fours and 1 Six against Australia while chasing 292 runs. Well played, Nissanka. pic.twitter.com/VleIVv49zV

— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) June 19, 2022

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Nissanka deServed to be there in the winning moment but, what an innings. Just brilliant 💗 #SLvAUS

— maisha🏏🌼 (@mycricketera) June 19, 2022