Can Pathum Nissanka Join Sri Lanka's Sporting Elite?

Mumbai, June 30 (NationPress) Following his impressive back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh during the two-match series, which marked Sri Lanka's World Test Championship (WTC) opener, Pathum Nissanka is now aiming for a remarkable milestone.

With a strong performance anticipated in the upcoming T20I series, the Sri Lankan opener is focusing on securing a position among the ICC’s top ten batters across all formats, according to Telecom Asia Sport.

Currently ranked seventh in T20Is, the 27-year-old has made a strong impression in the longer formats, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s success through a series of stellar performances.

Last year, Nissanka made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve a double hundred in One-day International (ODI) cricket. He followed this feat with a match-winning century at The Oval, leading Sri Lanka to their first Test victory in England in a decade. After scoring consecutive centuries against Bangladesh, including a remarkable career-best 187 in Galle and a refined 158 in Colombo, Nissanka is laying the groundwork for greatness.

Former captain Angelo Mathews, who recently stepped back from the longest format, praised Nissanka's ability to be a match-winner with his deep batting.

"He possesses the game, resilience, and adaptability. He doesn't merely start well; he plays deep. That’s the characteristic of a player who secures victories for you," Mathews remarked to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).

Throughout his two innings against Bangladesh, Nissanka displayed remarkable discipline and strategic thinking. "He never attempted a cut shot, nor was he tempted by the short ball, even with three fielders stationed on the deep leg side. He also avoided the pull shot. Instead, he focused on his scoring zones, skillfully maneuvering against the spinners and driving elegantly on both the front and back foot," the report noted.

Sri Lanka’s head coach Sanath Jayasuriya highlighted that this discipline is a defining trait of Nissanka's batting.

"In an era dominated by T20 theatrics, such discipline is uncommon. When Pathum settles in, he doesn’t squander his wicket. That’s what distinguishes him," Jayasuriya emphasized.

However, despite his composed style, Nissanka has yet to achieve a double hundred in Tests. "The second new ball has ended his innings twice. Once he masters that hurdle, his potential for run-scoring could soar," the report stated.

Nissanka’s ascent has been pivotal to Sri Lanka’s resurgence in white-ball cricket. After narrowly missing out on Champions Trophy qualification—a significant setback for a nation that once redefined ODI cricket—Sri Lanka has climbed to fourth in the ICC rankings, achieving series victories over both India and Australia.

His teammates believe that the objective is more than merely a top-ten ranking—it’s about claiming the number one position. Publicly, he admires Virat Kohli and aspires to enter the elite circle. Privately, those close to him hint at even grander goals—becoming the world’s top batter.