NZ vs SL: Theekshana into World Cup record books with defiant knock in Bengaluru

Maheesh Theekshana may not have the strike bowler that Sri Lanka might need hoped him to be on the World Cup however the spinner has chipped in with essential contributions with the bat within the event. Theekshana hit 39 not out in a rearguard effort to assist Sri Lanka publish a good whole of their closing league sport of the World Cup in opposition to New Zealand on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday, November 9.

World Cup 2023: NZ vs SL scorecard | Factors Desk

Maheesh Theekshana added 43 runs in 87 balls for the final wicket together with Dilshan Madushanka as Sri Lank huffed and puffed to publish 171 in 46.4 overs.

World Cup 2023 Full Protection

Through the course of the innings, Maheesh Theekshana set a brand new World Cup report by dealing with 91 balls, essentially the most by a No. 9 batter within the historical past of the event. He broke Andy Bichel’s report from the 2003 World Cup.

MOST BALLS FACED BY NO. 9 IN WORLD CUPS

Maheesh Theekshana – 38 not out off 91 balls vs New Zealand in 2023
Andy Bichel – 64 off 83 vs New Zealand in 2003
Imran Khan – 21 not out vs 82 vs England in 1979

Regardless of a 28-ball 51 from opener Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka crumbled as they misplaced 5 wickets within the first powerplay. Trent Boult picked up 3 wickets with the brand new ball, discovering some kind whereas Lockie Ferguson, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra picked up 2 wickets every.

Sri Lanka slipped to 70 for five after which to128 for 9 earlier than Theekshana and Madushanka added 43 runs for the tenth wicket.

Theekshana’s 91 can also be the second most variety of balls confronted by a No. 9 batter in ODI cricket. Jay Prakash Yadav holds the report after having confronted 92 balls in an ODI in opposition to New Zealand in 2005. The Sri Lanka tail-ender hit 3 boundaries throughout his knock as he flaunted his improved batting abilities on the demise.

Regardless of Theekshana’s effort, Sri Lanka weren’t in a position to final the total quota of fifty overs in what has been a disappointing World Cup marketing campaign for the previous champions, who’re at risk of lacking out on Champions Trophy 2025.