Watch: Kusal Mendis missed out on his third ODI hundred after being run out bizarrely on 92 during the crucial Sri Lanka-Afghanistan clash in the 2023 Asia Cup on September 5.
Walking out to bat at 63-1, Kusal Mendis began cautiously, scoring 28 in his first 40 balls. He reached his fifty in 55 deliveries before upping the ante, making 40 in the next 29 balls. Looking well set for a ton, he was run out in unfortunate circumstances: Rashid Khan dropped a catch off his own bowling but deflected onto the stumps at the non-striker’s end, leaving Mendis outside his crease.
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Dasun Shanaka chipped the ball back to Rashid, who quickly moved to his right to latch onto the catch. However, the ball popped out and went towards the stumps at the bowler’s end.
Mendis, who had left the crease by then, realised what had transpired, turned around, and attempted to ground his bat. However, replays confirmed he was unsuccessful in doing so. He departed for 92 in 84 balls.
Sri Lanka ended with 291 on the board, and need to ensure Afghanistan do not chase the target in fewer than 37.2 overs to qualify for the Super Four. They bowled out Afghanistan for 289 to qualify.
Watch Kusal Mendis get run out in bizarre fashion: