Sri Lanka's top-order batter Kusal Mendis was taken to a hospital during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 match against Pakistan in Hyderabad. Mendis has been in incredible form through this World Cup as he started with a 76-run knock against South Africa in Sri Lanka's first game. Then against Pakistan, Mendis smashed an incredible 122 in just 77 balls with 14 fours and six sixes.
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But in the second innings, Mendis wasn't on the field as Dushan Hemantha took the field. Later it was revealed by the Sri Lankan medical staff that Kusal Mendis was taken to the hospital after suffering cramps in the mid-inning break. Hemantha replaced Mendis, while Sadeera Samarawickrama took wicketkeeping duties.
Talking about Sadeera Samarawickrama, the young Sri Lankan also scored an incredible century of his own as he was dismissed for a score of 108 in 89 balls with two sixes and 11 fours. Talking about his performance, Samarawickrama expressed elation and praised his fellow batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.
Samarawickrama said, "Really happy about the performance in this match. I didn't get a hundred before. I badly wanted to get a hundred in my career, I am really happy today. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal batted really well, my plan was to be bat positive and give the strike to Kusal Mendis.
We both batted really well in that period. That was a great partnership. In the first few overs, when I was batting, the wicket was really good. Last 15 overs, the fast bowlers got some grip. I think it wasn't easy to bat on in the last few overs. After the new ball, pace off is a good option on this wicket."