Sri Lanka’s wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis was taken to the hospital after his 122-run knock against Babar Azam-led Pakistan at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on October 10. Mendis had suffered cramps during his record-breaking knock of 122 runs from just 77 balls that helped Sri Lanka post 344/9.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) shared the development on their Twitter account after the first innings. In his absence, Sadeera Samarawickrama took over the wicketkeeping duties as Pakistan batters walked out in the run chase of 345. Also, Dushan Hemantha replaced him on the field as a substitute fielder.
Samarawickrama who took over the wicketkeeping duties scored his maiden ODI hundred after Mendis’ departed. He shared a 111-run partnership for the third wicket with Mendis. Samarawickrama lauded Mendis for his knock during the innings break.
“Pathum Nissanka and Kusal batted really well, my plan was to be bat positive and give the strike to Kusal Mendis. We both batted really well in that period. That was a great partnership,” Samarawickrama told the broadcasters.
Mendis' 122-run knock featured 14 fours and six sixes. He became the first Sri Lankan batter to score a century against Pakistan in ODI World Cup. Also, he became the fastest Sri Lankan batter to score a century in the World Cup from 65 balls, breaking Kumar Sangakkara's record from 70 balls.
The total of 344/9 is the highest score by a team against Pakistan in the history of the World Cup. The previous record was held by India. The Virat Kohli-led side posted 336/5 against Pakistan in Manchester in the 2019 World Cup where Rohit Sharma was the top scorer with 140 runs.
Sri Lanka headed into the game having never won an ODI World Cup match against Pakistan. Their previous highest score against Pakistan in the tournament history was 288/9. It came in the 1983 World Cup while chasing where they lost by 50 runs.
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