Sri Lankan cricket sensation Kusal Mendis left the cricketing world in awe as he blazed his way to a remarkable century in Match 8 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against Pakistan. His dazzling century, achieved in record-breaking fashion, set social media ablaze.
Mendis lights up Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
Mendis showcased his extraordinary batting prowess at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, where he embarked on a breathtaking innings. From the very outset, Mendis launched an onslaught on the Pakistani bowlers, leaving spectators and fans on the edge of their seats.
Early entry and explosive partnerships
Mendis entered the crease early in the innings after Sri Lanka lost opener Kusal Perera in just the second over. Undeterred by the early setback, Mendis forged a sensational partnership of 102 runs for the second wicket alongside Pathum Nissanka, who contributed a splendid 51 to the team’s cause.
Continuing his onslaught, Mendis then joined forces with Sadeera Samarawickrama, and together, they added 111 runs for the third wicket. This partnership kept the Pakistani bowlers at bay and solidified Sri Lanka’s position.
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Record-breaking century
However, the standout moment of the match came when Mendis reached his century. Mendis achieved this remarkable feat with a flick over deep mid-wicket, racing to triple figures off just 65 deliveries. This century was not only a testament to his exceptional skill but also the fastest-ever by a Sri Lankan in the history of ODI World Cups.
Mendis’s extraordinary innings finally came to an end when he was dismissed by Hasan Ali, having amassed a breathtaking 122 runs from just 77 balls. His innings was studded with 14 boundaries and 6 massive sixes, leaving the Pakistani bowlers shell-shocked.
Fastest Century by Sri Lankan Batters in ODI World Cups (Balls Faced):
65: Kusal Mendis vs Pakistan, 2023
70: Kumar Sangakkara vs England, 2015
73: Kumar Sangakkara vs Bangladesh, 2015
80: Mahela Jayawardene vs Canada, 2011
Unsurprisingly, Mendis’s scintillating century set Twitter abuzz with cricket enthusiasts and fans showering praise on the Sri Lankan star. Twitter erupted with congratulatory messages and appreciation for his record-breaking performance.
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
Kusal mendis is in the best form of his life. Brilliant batting 👏 💯 #SLvsPAK
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 10, 2023
That is some century from Kusal Mendis. Well paced and well played. And still Sri Lanka’s fastest in IC Men’s CWC. Superb knock.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 10, 2023
HUNDRED FOR KUSAL MENDIS…!!
What a knock, ridiculous hitting, dominating Pakistan bowling and smashed hundred from just 65 balls – one of the brutal knocks ever in World Cups. pic.twitter.com/x84HSrVcKm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 10, 2023
ONE OF THE BEST HUNDREDS OF THE WORLD CUP….!!!
Kusal Mendis brings up his century in just 65 balls against Pakistan. What a thunderous knock by Mendis, he’s unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/ANqLImGGgg
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 10, 2023
Masterclass by Kusal Mendis 🔥 Celebrating his 3rd ODI century with style! 💯
🚨 This is the fastest-ever hundred by a Sri Lankan in Cricket World Cup history!#LankanLions #CWC23 #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/UNOsE6ag9B
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 10, 2023
Oh @KusalMendis13, what are we witnessing here, absolute carnage! 💥
— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) October 10, 2023
A 65-ball hundred for Kusal Mendis #CWC23 #PAKvSL #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/hGRzniIiu0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 10, 2023
76 off 42 against South Africa and 122 off 77 against Pakistan. Kusal Mendis is something else 🔥🔥 #WorldCup2023 #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/buRFV6DZIW
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) October 10, 2023
Kusal Mendis, take a bow! What a knock boy. Looked like easy 150+ loading.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 10, 2023
Historic:
Kusal Mendis scored fastest Hundred for Sri Lanka in ODI World Cup history (65 balls). pic.twitter.com/AKDroO0sM4
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) October 10, 2023
Well Played Kusal Mendis. #PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/MPoFpdkfoC
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) October 10, 2023
Kusal Mendis reached his 50 from just 25 balls in his last match and scored Sri Lanka’s fastest ever 100 in World Cup history today. Bro’s making it look like EA sports. pic.twitter.com/J2SSqkg4i0
— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) October 10, 2023
IT’S BRUTAL, IT’S JUST INCREDIBLE !!
Kusal Mendis is in beast form, it’s a brutal century by him against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/VclZZJxxJh
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL) October 10, 2023
Brilliant knock against a quality bowling line up🔥 too good of an innings to ignore #KusalMendis 🙏🏻#PAKvsSL pic.twitter.com/MssmPsp2oa
— Radoo🌶️ (@Chandan_radoo) October 10, 2023
A remarkable innings from Kusal Mendis finally comes to an end. pic.twitter.com/3N6FgL5HOE
— Asad Abdullah (@asad_qureshi257) October 10, 2023
Finally, after a long wait of 1322 days, Kusal Mendis scores ODI Century No3⃣ and he’s done it in 65 balls, the record fastest Hundred in a World Cup by a Sri Lankan batter! pic.twitter.com/I31exiWzuB
— Akhila Seneviratne (@AkhilaSene97) October 10, 2023
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Sri Lankan cricket sensation Kusal Mendis left the cricketing world in awe as he blazed his way to a remarkable century in Match 8 of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against Pakistan. His dazzling century, achieved in record-breaking fashion, set social media ablaze. Mendis lights up Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Mendis showcased his extraordinary…
