ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: [WATCH] Kusal Mendis Impresses With His Dazzling Flick Shots

Kusal Mendis delivered a spectacular 76 runs from 42 balls, featuring four boundaries and eight sixes. Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis displayed a sensational performance against South Africa in the 4th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The 28-year-old delivered an impressive innings, scoring 76 runs from 42 balls, and showcasing remarkable strokeplay. Mendis hit four fours and eight sixes, sending the ball to various parts of the ground.

Mendis’s extraordinary performance included majestic flicks and pulls that had the crowd on the edge of their seats. His onslaught began in the fifth over, where he hit three sixes off Lungi Ngidi. One of his shots in that over landed deep into the stands at deep square leg, leaving fans in awe.

Mendis reached his half-century in style by flicking Marco Jansen for a six on the leg side, achieving this milestone in just 25 balls. Remarkably, it was the third-fastest fifty by a Sri Lankan batsman in an ODI World Cup.

Additionally, he registered the second-highest number of sixes in the first ten overs of an ODI (8), tying with Chris Gayle and Martin Guptill. Chris Gayle holds the top spot with nine maximums in the first ten overs.

You can watch the clip here:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ICC (@icc)

Mendis scored 158 runs in the warm-up game against Afghanistan

However, just as things were going well for Sri Lanka, Kagiso Rabada made a crucial breakthrough for South Africa by dismissing Mendis in the 13th over, as Mendis edged the ball to wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen. This brought an end to Mendis’ aggressive innings, leaving Sri Lanka at 109/3 after 12.4 overs.

In a prior warm-up match against Afghanistan at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, Mendis also delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 158 runs off 87 balls, which included 19 fours and nine sixes. The dynamic batter will be eager to maintain his good form as Sri Lanka advances in the tournament.

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.