Pathum Nissanka has geared up for the Asia Cup 2025 in style with a stunning show in Harare. The Sri Lanka opener smashed a stunning century to take the Islanders to the cusp of victory in the ZIM vs SL 2nd ODI. It was the 27-year-old’s 7th ODI century, which bodes well for the Lankans ahead of their Asia Cup campaign.
Pathum Nissanka sinks Zimbabwe with Harare special
Chasing a tricky 278 to win, Pathum Nissanka single handedly kept Sri Lanka in the hunt in Harare. Opening the innings, he stitched a sedate 48-run partnership with Nuwanidu Fernando. The visitors then lost two in sucession, resulting in Nissanka adopting to anchor the innings.
The 27-year-old held onto his end, allowing Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka to go the aggressive route. He reached his half-century in 54 balls, before converting into a century off 111 balls. Nissanka had stroked a fine 76 in the first ODI and will be happy to have converted this innings into a three-figure knock.
His form is a positive for Sri Lanka despite the change in format. Runs under his bat will only add to Nissanka’s confidence. The opener will be central to the Islanders chances in the Asia Cup 2025.
He scored at a steady rate, with his strike rate in the 90s as Sri Lanka went about their chase in a measured manner. It is his 4th ODI century since 2024, the most by a batter in international cricket. He has the most runs by an opener since his debut, ahead of the likes of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. He was eventually dismissed for 122 off 136 deliveries, having hit 16 boundaries.
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