Pathum Nissanka has been ticking all the right boxes, and the Sri Lankan opener now has his sights set on something truly special — a place among the ICC’s top ten batters across all three formats. Already ranked seventh in T20Is, the 27-year-old has made a compelling case in the longer formats, with a series of strong performances that have turned matches in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Last year, Nissanka became the first Sri Lankan to score a double hundred in ODI cricket. He followed that with a match-winning hundred at The Oval, helping Sri Lanka secure their first Test victory in England in ten years. Now, fresh from back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh — including a career-best 187 in Galle and a polished 158 in Colombo — Nissanka is building a foundation for greatness.
He’s got the game, the grit, and the gears. He doesn’t just get starts – he bats deep. That’s the hallmark of a player who wins you matches.
Both innings against Bangladesh showed exceptional discipline and calculation. Not once did he attempt a cut shot, nor did he fall for the bait of the short ball — even as Bangladesh positioned three fielders on the deep leg side. The pull shot was also avoided. Instead, he stuck to his scoring zones, working the spinners and driving elegantly on both front and back foot.
In today’s age of T20 razzle-dazzle, that kind of discipline is rare. When Pathum gets in, he doesn’t give it away. That’s what sets him apart.
Yet, despite his composure, the elusive Test double hundred still awaits. Twice the second new ball has ended his innings. But once he learns to navigate that challenge, his run-scoring potential could increase dramatically.
His teammates believe the goal is more than a top-ten ranking — it’s the top spot. Publicly, he admires Virat Kohli and aims to break into the elite club. Privately, those close to him whisper of grander ambitions — becoming the number one batter in the world.
Nissanka’s rise has been key to Sri Lanka’s white-ball revival. After missing out on Champions Trophy qualification — a tough setback for a nation that once redefined ODI cricket — Sri Lanka has climbed to fourth in the ICC rankings, with series wins over India and Australia.
Off the field, Nissanka commands respect. During last year’s England tour, he was appointed ‘discipline officer’ — famously fining Sanath Jayasuriya himself for littering. Jayasuriya took it in good humour, much to the amusement of the squad.
Kamindu Mendis, who played alongside him at under-19 level and is now a teammate, says Nissanka’s simplicity is deceptive. “He makes batting look so easy. When I’m at the other end, it rubs off on me.”
It’s rare for a Sri Lankan player to look equally comfortable in whites and coloured clothing, against spin and pace, home and away. The last to do so consistently was Kumar Sangakkara.
Nissanka’s numbers are climbing. So is the anticipation. If he continues to score runs and stay calm under pressure, the boy from Kalutara could soon join cricket’s elite.
