News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/7th August 2024
In a riveting display of skill and determination, Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Fernando scored an impressive 96 runs off 102 balls during the third ODI against India in Colombo on August 7, 2024. His innings was a significant highlight of the match, showcasing his batting prowess and technical acumen. Fernando’s performance was instrumental in setting a solid foundation for Sri Lanka, though his quest for a century fell just short.
Fernando’s innings was marked by a strategic blend of aggressive strokes and steady accumulation of runs. Opening the innings alongside Pathum Nissanka, the duo established a formidable partnership, combining to put on 89 runs. Their partnership laid a robust platform for Sri Lanka, allowing them to progress past the 150-run mark with relative ease after electing to bat first. Fernando’s approach was characterized by frequent strike rotation and boundary-hitting, reflecting his keen ability to adapt to varying match situations.
Despite his strong start, Fernando’s innings was cut short by Riyan Parag, just as he seemed poised to complete his fourth ODI century. His knock featured nine boundaries and two sixes, demonstrating his ability to find gaps and score freely. Fernando’s batting played a crucial role in propelling Sri Lanka to a competitive total, though his departure at 96 was a notable moment in the game.
This innings was particularly significant as it marked the first instance in seven ODIs where Sri Lanka’s opening partnership has managed to secure a double-figure stand against India. Nissanka’s contribution, with a score of 45 off 65 balls, complemented Fernando’s innings effectively. Together, they weathered the early overs and set a strong foundation for the rest of the team.
Fernando’s knock was also his third half-century against India in ODI cricket. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated consistency, accumulating eight half-centuries and three centuries in the 50-over format. His overall ODI record stands at 1,352 runs from 41 matches, averaging 32.97 with a strike rate of 91.41. Notably, a significant portion of his runs, over 900, have been scored on home soil, highlighting his comfort and effectiveness in familiar conditions.
Moreover, Fernando’s innings in this match helped him surpass the 300-run mark against India in ODIs. This achievement adds to his impressive record, as the only other team against which he has accumulated over 300 runs in the format is the West Indies. This statistic underscores Fernando’s ability to perform consistently against high-caliber opponents.
In conclusion, Avishka Fernando’s 96-run innings against India was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Although he fell short of a century, his contribution was pivotal in setting up Sri Lanka for a competitive position in the match. His performance highlights his growing stature in international cricket and his capacity to deliver crucial innings in key games.
