Mendis propels Sri Lanka to 294 in World Cup warm-up

Acting Skipper Kusal Mendis smashed a sparkling century as Sri Lanka piled up a formidable 294 runs in their second World Cup warm-up fixture against Afghanistan played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India today.

The 28-year-old dashing right-hander, leading the side in the absence of regular Skipper Dasun Shanaka, plundered a magnificent 158 from 87 balls before he retired out having hoisted nine sixes and struck 19 boundaries.

Sri Lanka, of course, suffered an early setback as they lost opener Dimuth Karunaratne in the sixth over with just 30 runs on the board after Afghanistan had won the toss and elected to field first.

Mendis joined opener Pathum Nissanka and the pair steadied the innings with a second-wicket stand of 52 runs from six overs as Sri Lanka looked to bounce back following a demoralising defeat at the hands of Bangladesh on Friday.

But after the departure of Mendis, the Sri Lanka innings suffered a middle and late order collapse and lost their last seven wickets for the addition of 54 runs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka Skipper Dasun Shanaka was ruled out from the warm-up game as the all-rounder is still recovering from a 'strain' he experienced on his left elbow during the previous match against Bangladesh.

However, Shanaka is under medical treatment and is in the process of recovery.

Meanwhile, Kusal Janith Perera, who experienced pain on his 'right shoulder', during Sri Lanka's warm-up game against Bangladesh, is currently under medical treatment and is in the process of recovery.

In addition, Maheesh Theekshana, who did not travel with the team to India on September 26, will join the squad on October 4, 2023. (Agencies)

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka c N. Ahmad b A. Rahman 30

Dimuth Karunaratne c Gurbaz b M. Rahman 08

Kusal Mendis retired out 158

Sadeera Samarawickrama b Rashid 39

Charith Asalanka c I. Zadran b M. Nabi 12

Dhananjaya de Silva c Rashid b N. Haq 22

Dunith Wellalage c R. Shah b M. Nabi 01

Dushan Hemantha b M. Nabi 05

Lahiru Kumara c Rashid Khan b M. Nabi 01

Kasun Rajitha not out 01

Dilshan Madushanka not out 00

Extras: (lb10, nb1, w7) 18

TOTAL: (All out in 46.2 overs): 294

Fall: 1-30, 2-82, 3-240, 4-257, 5-271, 6-271, 7-282, 8-290, 9-294

Bowling: Fazalhaq Farooqi 6.2-1-27-1, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 7-1-25-1, Naveen-ul-Haq 7-0-41-1, Azmatullah Omarzai 3-0-40-0, Abdul Rahman 4-0-39-1, Noor Ahmad 4-0-26-0, Rashid Khan 7-0-42-1, Mohammad Nabi 8-0-44-4