Shanaka fireworks as Sri Lanka pile up 225-5 against Oman / Photo: Ishara S. KODIKARA - AFP
Shanaka fireworks as Sri Lanka pile up 225-5 against Oman
Dasun Shanaka blazed the fastest half-century by a Sri Lankan in T20Is as the hosts piled up 225-5 against Oman in their Group B World Cup clash at Pallekele on Thursday.
It was the highest total of the tournament, beating the 213-4 posted by South Africa against Canada in Ahmedabad.
Skipper Shanaka, who had been under pressure after a lean run, batted superbly smashing two fours and five sixes to post a 19-ball half-century.
Pavan Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis laid the platform with half-centuries of their own and were involved in a 94-run stand for the third wicket.
Fresh from his match-winning heroics against Ireland, Kamindu Mendis provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 19 off just seven balls, with one four and two sixes.
This was the first fixture at Pallekele in the tournament and the surface proved to be a belter, a far cry from the tracks of Colombo.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka are chasing a second win at the competition.
W.Janssens--RTC
