Afghanistan’s Omarzai, Nabi fight but can’t match Nissanka’s double century as Sri Lanka win 1st ODI

Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi and Azmatullah Omarzai almost stole Sri Lankan Pathum Nissanka’s thunder in the first ODI of the three-match series between the two teams in Pallekele on Friday.

While opener Nissanka created history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to breach the 200-run mark in an innings in an ODI, the Afghan duo came up with a stellar response as they dared to chase down a huge target after the home team posted 381/3 in 50 overs.

Both Nabi and Omarzai hit blazing centuries, but the former’s dismissal in the 46th over hampered Afghanistan’s brave attempt. They finally finished on 339/6 to lose the match by 42 runs.

It was a remarkable recovery by the Afghans after they were 19/3 and 55/5 early in the match. Nabi and Omarzai’s 242-run stand threatened the Lankans. But in the end the target turned out to be too stiff.

While Nabi smashed 136 off 130 balls with 15 boundaries and three sixes, Omarzai made 149 not out.

For Sri Lanka, Pramod Madushan was the most successful bowler with 4/75.

Earlier, Nissanka scored his country’s first-ever double century in the 50-over format, remaining unbeaten on 210 off just 139 balls.