Sri Lankan batsmen displayed strong hitting in today’s ODI World Cup match against Pakistan. After losing early wickets in the second over, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nisanka took charge against the Pakistani bowlers. Mendis achieved the fastest century for Sri Lanka in a World Cup, with support from Sadira Samaravikram. However, there are allegations that Pakistan cheated to break this century partnership.
Hasan Ali dismissed opener Kusal Perera for a duck in the second over, and Shaheen Afridi seemed out of form. Mendis and Pathum Nisanka established a record 102-run partnership for the second wicket, with Nisanka being caught for 51 runs. This 102-run partnership was Sri Lanka’s best against Pakistan in World Cup history, surpassing Dinesh Mendis and Arjun Ranatunga’s 80-run partnership in Faisalabad in 1987.
Mendis and Sadira Samarawickrama also shared a partnership of 111 runs in just 69 balls. When Shaheen returned to bowl after his initial 4-over spell, Mendis welcomed him with three consecutive fours in the 25th over. Mendis completed his century in just 65 balls, making it the fastest by a Sri Lankan batsman in the World Cup, breaking Kumar Sangakkara’s 2015 World Cup record (70 balls against England). This became the sixth-fastest century in the tournament.
Mendis scored 122 runs off 77 balls with 14 fours and 6 sixes before being dismissed. It was his best individual performance against Pakistan in the World Cup, surpassing Roshan Mahanama’s 89 runs in 1987. Charith Aslanka (1) was also dismissed by Hasan Ali.
However, there is no evidence to suggest that the Pakistani player attempted any wrongdoing. The boundary line was extended for this match, but allegations of cheating have surfaced due to a viral photo suggesting that Imam-ul-Haq pushed the boundary line while taking a catch on the boundary.
