'Masterclass' - Netizens in awe of Kusal Mendis' blitz against Pakistan

The cricketing action in ODI World Cup 2023 contunued as Pakistan locked horns with Sri Lanka in the eight-match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad on October 10. Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka skipper, opted to bat first after winning the toss. 

The decision seemed to be a misstep as they lost opener Kusal Perera for a four-ball duck, but Pathum Nissanka stood up for his side and stitched a 102-run stand with Kusal Mendis for the second wicket. However, Pakistan acquired a much-needed breakthrough, as they dismissed Nissanka for 51 off 61 balls.

Mendis, though, put forth a spectacular performance, scoring a century off just 65 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter was eventually dismissed for a career-best knock of 122 runs off a mere 77 deliveries, including 16 boundaries and six maximums, with Sri Lanka reeling at 218/3.

Kusal Mendis scores fastest-ever hundred for Sri Lanka in World Cup history

Mendis scripted history, as his century was the fastest-ever by a Sri Lankan cricketer in the history of the ODI World Cup, shattering the record set by legendary Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara. The 28-year-old added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the only Sri Lankan batter to score a century against Pakistan in the marquee event. The previous best by a Sri Lankan batter against the Men in Green was 89 in the 1987 World Cup in Hyderabad by Roshan Mahanama.

In addition, Mendis' century was only the sixth-fastest in ODI World Cup history, trailing only Aiden Markram (49 balls), Kevin O'Brien's (50 balls), Glenn Maxwell's (51 balls), AB de Villiers' (52 balls), and Eoin Morgan's (57 balls).

In contrast, Sri Lanka fell short against Temba Bavuma's South Africa in their opening World Cup game after giving up the highest total (428). Mendis was key for his side scoring a gritty knock of 76 off 42 deliveries against the Proteas.

Here's how 'X' reacted to Kusal Mendis' knock: