Pathum Nissanka reinforced his position as one of the more exciting openers in world cricket with a fine show in the IND vs SL on Friday. Chasing a daunting 203, the 27-year-old came out all guns blazing in a stunning assault in the Asia Cup 2025 clash. Nissanka’s take down of Harshit Rana was the highlight after being hit on the helmet by the India pacer.
Nissanka hunts down Harshit Rana in epic revenge
Pathum Nissanka set the tone for the Sri Lankan chase with a few quick runs early in the innings. While Kusal Mendis had a short stay, Nissanka stitched a vital partnership with Kusal Perera to keep the Lankans on track in Dubai. Under the pump, Harshit Rana went at the Sri Lankan opener. The India pacer hit Nissanka on the helmet with the very first ball of the fourth over.
The 27-year-old underwent a concussion test and had the physio out following the blow. Passed fit, Nissanka turned the script over with a stunning takedown. Rana targeted the stumps with a slower delivery which the Sl opener easily desposited to the midwicket fence for a boundary.
Rana followed it up with a full pace short of a length delivery which Nissanka simply flicked over the boundary for a maximum. Harshit followed it up with a 147kph delivery which Nissanka hit straight back to the bowler. Rana in retaliation aimed at the stumps and missed and a staring contest ensued. The Sri Lankan star had the last laugh however, acing the next ball into the stands to put his side in the drivers’ seat.
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