Australian Captain Aaron Finch congratulates Pathum Nissanka after he was dismissed for 137

• Fourth ODI at R Premadasa Stadium today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq 

Sri Lanka’s match-winner in their record run chase against Australia on Sunday, Pathum Nissanka said that after their six-wicket win in the third ODI, the team was confident that they can emerge victorious in the fourth ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium today and take a winning lead in the five-match series.

Sri Lanka has never beaten Australia in a five-match ODI series, and they are on the cusp of doing so in the current series having taken a 2-1 lead.

It was Nissanka’s maiden hundred in his 15th ODI that carried them to victory chasing a challenging target of 292.

“It makes me very proud to contribute to the chase and win against a team like Australia. I was not aware that I had made the highest score against them in an ODI,” said Nissanka at the post match press conference.

“(Niroshan) Dickwella and I thought of getting as many runs during the power play. When Kusal (Mendis) joined me, we decided that we must bat at least until the 35th over to make it easy for the batsmen who are coming after us.”

Dickwella and Nissanka put on 42 for the first wicket in eight overs and after that Nissanka and Mendis laid the platform for the memorable win with a stand of 170 before Mendis was forced to retire with cramps in his legs with his score on 87 in the 38th over. Nissanka carried on till the start of the 48th over playing his finest hand in coloured clothing eclipsing his previous ODI best of 75 before he was dismissed for 137 with Sri Lanka eight away from victory. 

“Because we fielded first it became very difficult for us especially the bowlers but we didn’t wilt under the heat and we took it as a challenge,” said Nissanka who also struggled with cramps while batting with the physio making several visits to the middle during their partnership to treat him and Mendis.

Reflecting on his memorable knock Nissanka said the captain and coach have defined what his role is in the team which made his task easy. 

“During practices I prepare accordingly and as I have a clear mindset, I am able to perform. When I am out in the middle I only think of my innings, not what the opposition is trying to do. I only focus on my innings so there is no problem for me whatever tactics they adopt against me.”