Pathum Nissanka: Sri Lanka’s Rising Cricket Star
Who is Pathum Nissanka?
Pathum Nissanka has become a household name in Sri Lankan cricket, captivating fans with his elegant batting and remarkable consistency. Born on May 18, 1998, in Galle, Sri Lanka, Pathum Nissanka has risen from humble beginnings to become a cornerstone of the national team. His journey, marked by determination and skill, has made him a trending topic in cricket circles, with fans searching for the latest updates on his performances.
In this blog, we’ll explore Pathum Nissanka’s incredible career, from his early days in Galle to his record-breaking feats on the international stage. Whether it’s his historic ODI double century or his gritty Test performances, Pathum Nissanka’s story is one of inspiration and excellence.
Early Life and Struggles of Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka’s journey to cricketing stardom wasn’t easy. Growing up in Galle, he faced financial challenges, with his father working as a ground boy and his mother selling flowers near the Kalutara temple. Despite these hardships, Pathum Nissanka’s love for cricket shone through. He began playing at Kalutara Vidyalaya, where his talent was evident in school tournaments.
A defining moment came during the School Cricket Championship, where Pathum Nissanka scored an unbeaten 205 off 190 balls against President’s College, Rajagiriya. This knock marked him as a future star, and he later moved to Isipathana College in Colombo to further develop his skills. These early achievements laid the groundwork for Pathum Nissanka’s remarkable career.
Pathum Nissanka’s Domestic Career
Before breaking into the international scene, Pathum Nissanka made his mark in domestic cricket. He debuted in List A cricket for Hambantota District in the 2016-17 Districts One Day Tournament and in T20 for Badureliya Sports Club in the 2017-18 SLC T20 Tournament. His ability to adapt across formats caught the eye of selectors, and Pathum Nissanka quickly became a standout performer.
In 2019, Pathum Nissanka was the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka A against Ireland A, showcasing his consistency. His performances in the Premier League Tournament further solidified his reputation, earning him a call-up to the national team. Pathum Nissanka’s domestic career was a testament to his hard work and ability to perform under pressure.
International Breakthrough for Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka made his international debut in March 2021 against the West Indies, a moment that marked the start of his rise. In his second Test match, he scored a century (103) in North Sound, becoming only the fourth Sri Lankan to achieve a hundred on Test debut. This performance announced Pathum Nissanka as a serious talent.
While his early ODI career had its challenges, Pathum Nissanka turned things around with a crucial 75 against Zimbabwe in Galle. In 2022, he scored his maiden ODI century against Australia, earning the Player of the Match award. These performances established Pathum Nissanka as Sri Lanka’s go-to opener across formats.
Pathum Nissanka’s Historic ODI Double Century
On February 9, 2024, Pathum Nissanka etched his name in history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to score an ODI double century. His unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan in Pallekele broke Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of 189 and showcased Pathum Nissanka’s ability to dominate world-class bowlers. The innings, filled with elegant drives and powerful shots, earned him widespread acclaim.
This milestone also saw Pathum Nissanka become the fastest Sri Lankan to reach 2,000 ODI runs, doing so in just 52 innings. His performance earned him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards, cementing Pathum Nissanka’s status as a cricketing superstar.
Pathum Nissanka’s Test Cricket Excellence
In June 2025, Pathum Nissanka delivered a career-defining performance, scoring 187 against Bangladesh in the first Test at Galle. This knock, which saved Sri Lanka from a precarious position, was his fourth Test century and his first at home. Pathum Nissanka described it as breaking a “mental barrier,” highlighting his growth as a Test batsman.
Days later, Pathum Nissanka scored another century in the second Test in Colombo, bringing his tally to two hundreds in the series. As reported by NewsBytes, his consistent performances have made him a vital part of Sri Lanka’s Test setup. Pathum Nissanka’s ability to play long, gritty innings has earned him a Test batting ranking of 31st with 598 points.
Pathum Nissanka in T20 Cricket
Pathum Nissanka’s versatility shines in T20 cricket, where he has scored 1,734 runs in 62 matches at an average of 30. His highest score of 79 and a strike rate of 118.88 reflect his ability to balance aggression and stability. In January 2025, Pathum Nissanka scored 14 off 12 balls against New Zealand, showing his intent to dominate early.
With a T20I batting ranking of 7th and 714 points, Pathum Nissanka is a key player in Sri Lanka’s T20 setup. His ability to adapt to the format’s demands makes him a dangerous opener, capable of setting or chasing big totals.
Why Pathum Nissanka is Trending in 2025
Pathum Nissanka’s recent exploits have made him a trending topic on platforms like Google Trends. His back-to-back Test centuries against Bangladesh in June 2025, as reported by outlets like Outlook India, have sparked excitement among fans. Posts on X, such as those from ESPNcricinfo, praise Pathum Nissanka’s consistency, with comments like, “Pathum Nissanka is a three-format monster.”
His inspiring journey from a challenging background to cricketing stardom resonates with fans worldwide. Pathum Nissanka’s ability to perform across formats, combined with his recent heroics, has made him a focal point of cricket discussions in 2025.
Pathum Nissanka’s Batting Style
Pathum Nissanka’s batting is a blend of elegance and aggression. As a right-handed opener, he combines classical technique with modern flair, making him effective in all formats. In Tests, Pathum Nissanka’s patience and ability to build innings, as seen in his 187 against Bangladesh, stand out. In ODIs, his 210* against Afghanistan showcased his ability to dominate attacks.
In T20s, Pathum Nissanka’s quick scoring and gap-finding ability make him a dangerous player. His versatility and adaptability have earned him praise from cricketing legends, making Pathum Nissanka a complete batsman for Sri Lanka.
Pathum Nissanka’s Career Statistics
Pathum Nissanka’s numbers reflect his consistency across formats. As of June 2025, here’s a look at his career stats:
- Test Cricket: 18 matches, 1,147 runs, average of 41, 3 centuries, 7 fifties, highest score of 187.
- ODI Cricket: 66 matches, 2,508 runs, average of 41, 6 centuries, 16 fifties, highest score of 210*.
- T20I Cricket: 62 matches, 1,734 runs, average of 30, 13 fifties, highest score of 79.
His ICC rankings further highlight his prowess:
- Test Batting: 31st (598 points)
- ODI Batting: 14th (641 points)
- T20I Batting: 7th (714 points)
These stats, sourced from platforms like ESPNcricinfo, showcase Pathum Nissanka’s growth as a world-class batsman.
Pathum Nissanka’s Impact on Sri Lankan Cricket
Pathum Nissanka has become a beacon of hope for Sri Lankan cricket, a nation with a rich cricketing heritage. His ability to perform under pressure, whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20s, has made him a role model for young cricketers. Pathum Nissanka’s journey from Galle to global stardom inspires fans and players alike, showing that hard work and talent can overcome any obstacle.
As Sri Lanka rebuilds its cricketing legacy, Pathum Nissanka’s contributions are invaluable. His leadership as an opener and his ability to deliver in clutch moments make him a cornerstone of the team’s future.
What’s Next for Pathum Nissanka?
With his current form, Pathum Nissanka is poised for even greater heights. Upcoming series against top teams like India and Australia will test his mettle, but his track record suggests he’s ready for the challenge. Fans are eager to see if Pathum Nissanka can continue his run-scoring spree and climb higher in the ICC rankings.
Off the field, Pathum Nissanka’s story continues to inspire. His humility and dedication make him a fan favorite, and his performances ensure he remains a trending topic. As Pathum Nissanka continues to shine, the cricketing world will be watching closely.