So, Pathum Nissanka scored his 17th T20I half-century in the clash against Hong Kong on Monday, to take his side to second win in the Asia Cup 2025. But that was one innings full of missed chances for the opposition, and lucky escapes for the batter. In his score of 68. the right-hander survived four catch chances, the tied-most in a T20I.
Pathum Nissanka’s Success or Failure?
The first opportunity came in the fourth over, then in the 11th by Ehsan Khan, followed by Shahid in the 14th, and lastly by Ehsan again in the 15th. But then too, Nissanka did manage to do his bit, with luck on his side, to take his side home in the 19th over.
Barring the mishaps, it must be admitted that Nissanka has developed into a great prospect in the format for the Lankans, at the top of the order. In 70 matches now, he has 17 fifties to his name, scoring over 2000 runs, at an average of 31. This, by the way, is the most T20I fifties by any Sri Lankan, eclipsing Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis’ 16 each.
Most Successful for SL Now
Veteran Dilshan is next on the list with 13 fifties to his name. That just shows the kind of consistency the batter has shown in the recent times. In fact, this was third fifty-plus score in the last five innings. That also means, if SL has to go far in the Asia Cup, and subsequently in the T20 World Cup, Pathum Nissanka will have a huge role to play.
One aspect though, which is questionable is, is his career strike-rate, which stands at 124. In comparison, the best in world have strike-rates of over 140-150, and this is something he would have to work on.
