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Pathum Nissanka is a name that has quickly become synonymous with Sri Lankan cricket's future. Making his international debut in March 2021, he has already shown signs of becoming a mainstay in the Sri Lankan cricket team. Known for his right-handed batting prowess, Nissanka has been a revelation in all three formats of the game. His journey to international cricket is not just a tale of talent and hard work but also one of overcoming life's adversities.
Born on 18 May 1998 in Galle, Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka's early life was far from easy. His father, Sunil Silva, worked as a ground boy, and his mother sold flowers near the Kalutara temple. The family's income was modest, to say the least. Raised in a financially challenged background, Nissanka's journey to becoming an international cricketer is nothing short of inspiring.
His love for cricket began at a young age while he was attending Kalutara Vidyalaya. It was here that he first showcased his exceptional talent. During a School Cricket Championship, he scored an unbeaten double century (205) off just 190 balls against President's College, Rajagiriya, at the Colts ground in Colombo. This remarkable feat was an early indicator of the heights he was destined to reach.
However, the road to success was not smooth. Coming from a family with limited means, Nissanka had to grapple with numerous challenges. His parents, despite their financial constraints, supported his passion for cricket. The struggle was real, but the dream was big. Nissanka knew he had to make it not just for himself but also for his family, who had sacrificed so much for him.
In 2017, he made his List A debut for Hambantota District in the 2016–17 Districts One Day Tournament on 17 March. A year later, he made his Twenty20 debut for Badureliya Sports Club in the 2017–18 SLC Twenty20 Tournament. These initial years were crucial for Nissanka as they laid the foundation for his future in cricket. He was named in Kandy's squad for various tournaments, including the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament and the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament.
Nissanka's talent didn't go unnoticed. In March 2019, he was named in Kandy's squad for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament. Later that year, he was selected for the 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Despite the challenges and struggles, Nissanka was making a name for himself in the domestic circuit, and it was only a matter of time before he would break into the international scene.
His early and domestic career was a testament to his resilience and determination. From playing cricket in the bylanes of Kalutara to representing Sri Lanka on the international stage, Pathum Nissanka's journey is a compelling narrative of grit, talent, and the will to overcome life's hurdles.
Pathum Nissanka's domestic career is a tale of consistent performance and steady growth. His first significant break came when he made his List A debut for Hambantota District in the 2016–17 Districts One Day Tournament. This was a crucial stepping stone, and Nissanka made sure to capitalise on the opportunity. A year later, he was seen in action during the 2017–18 SLC Twenty20 Tournament, representing Badureliya Sports Club.
The year 2018 was particularly significant for Nissanka. He was named in Kandy's squad for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament. The following month, he was also part of Kandy's team for the 2018 Super Provincial One Day Tournament. These selections were not just a nod to his talent but also a testament to his hard work and the hours spent perfecting his craft.
In March 2019, Nissanka was once again named in Kandy's squad, this time for the 2019 Super Provincial One Day Tournament. His performance was so impressive that he ended up being the leading run-scorer for Nondescripts Cricket Club, accumulating 1,088 runs in just seven matches during the 2018–19 Premier League Tournament. This feat was a clear indicator that Nissanka was ready for bigger challenges.
His domestic performances caught the eyes of selectors, and he was named in the SLC Greens team for the 2021 SLC Invitational T20 League tournament. Later that year, he was also selected to play in the 2021 Lanka Premier League. By 2022, he was signed to play in the Lanka Premier League again, representing different teams like Colombo Stars, Kandy Falcons, and most recently, Rangpur Riders and Colombo Strikers in 2023.
The year 2021 marked a significant milestone in Nissanka's career. After years of hard work and impressive performances in domestic cricket, he was finally named in Sri Lanka's limited-overs squad for their series against the West Indies. He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Sri Lanka on 3 March 2021 against the West Indies. Just a week later, he made his One Day International (ODI) debut, also against the West Indies.
However, what truly set him apart was his Test debut on 21 March 2021 against the same team. In the second innings of the match, Nissanka scored an astounding 103 runs, becoming only the fourth batsman for Sri Lanka to score a century on debut in Test cricket. This was not just any century; it was the first century to be scored by a Sri Lankan batsman away from home on debut. This remarkable achievement catapulted him into the limelight and announced his arrival on the international stage.
His performances didn't stop there. During the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Nissanka scored 221 runs in eight matches, including three half-centuries. In January 2022, he was named the Player of the Series against Zimbabwe in the ODI series, where he scored 146 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries. His T20I series against Australia in February 2022 saw him break the record for the most runs scored by a Sri Lankan batsman in a T20I match series against Australia, amassing 184 runs in five matches.
In June 2022, Nissanka scored his first century in an ODI match, with 137 runs, helping Sri Lanka beat Australia by six wickets. His performances have not only made him a permanent fixture in the Sri Lankan team but have also made him one of the most promising talents in international cricket today.
Pathum Nissanka's journey from domestic cricket to making a mark in international cricket is a story of perseverance, skill, and an unyielding will to succeed. He has not only lived up to the expectations but has also set new standards for young cricketers aspiring to represent their country.
Pathum Nissanka's cricketing journey has been punctuated by several milestones and records that have set him apart as one of Sri Lanka's most promising talents. One of the most significant milestones came early in his international career when he scored a century on his Test debut against the West Indies in March 2021. Not only did he score a century, but he also became the first Sri Lankan batsman to score a century away from home on debut. This achievement was a clear indicator of his potential and the heights he could reach in international cricket.
In the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Nissanka was a standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring 221 runs in eight matches, including three half-centuries. This performance was a testament to his adaptability and skill in the shorter format of the game. His consistency was further highlighted when he was named the Player of the Series against Zimbabwe in an ODI series in January 2022. During this series, he scored 146 runs in three matches, including two half-centuries.
Another record came in February 2022 during the T20I series against Australia, where he broke the record for the most runs scored by a Sri Lankan batsman in a T20I match series against Australia. He amassed a total of 184 runs in five matches, showcasing his prowess in the T20 format.
In June 2022, Nissanka achieved another milestone by scoring his first century in an ODI match. He scored 137 runs, helping Sri Lanka to beat Australia by six wickets. This century further solidified his position as a versatile batsman capable of performing in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.
Nissanka's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular. In 2023, he was part of the Sri Lankan team that played against Afghanistan and the UAE. His performances have been consistent, and he has continued to be a key player for Sri Lanka in all formats. In July 2023, he was instrumental in leading Sri Lanka to a dominant win over the West Indies, further cementing his reputation as a reliable and impactful player.
In the 24th Match of the Super Six stage of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in July 2023, Nissanka scored an unbeaten 101, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His recent performances have not only made him a permanent fixture in the Sri Lankan team but have also garnered him attention from cricket pundits and fans alike.
His domestic career has also been on an upward trajectory. In the 2021 Lanka Premier League, he was a key player, and by 2022, he was signed to play in the league again, representing teams like Colombo Stars, Kandy Falcons, and most recently, Rangpur Riders and Colombo Strikers in 2023.
Pathum Nissanka's journey is a compelling narrative of talent, hard work, and the will to succeed. His major milestones and recent performances are a testament to his skill and dedication, making him one of the most exciting prospects in Sri Lankan cricket today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pathum Nissanka make his international debut?
He made his international debut in March 2021 against the West Indies.
How many centuries has Nissanka scored in Test cricket?
As of now, he has scored one century in Test cricket.
Which teams has Nissanka represented in the Lanka Premier League?
He has represented Colombo Stars, Kandy Falcons, Rangpur Riders, and Colombo Strikers.
What is Nissanka's highest score in ODI cricket?
His highest score in ODI cricket is 137 runs against Australia.
