Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka once again proved his consistency on the big stage, registering a fluent half-century against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 Group B clash at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi. With this knock, the stylish right-hander not only guided his team towards a competitive total but also etched his name in the record books by joining an exclusive list of batters in the history of the T20 Asia Cup.
Pathum Nissanka’s vital knock against Bangladesh
Coming in as the pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting order, Nissanka looked composed right from the start. He mixed caution with aggression, ensuring the early movement from the Bangladesh pacers did not disturb his rhythm. Gradually, he unleashed a range of delightful strokes, particularly punishing anything short or overpitched. His fifty came at a crucial stage of the innings when Sri Lanka needed stability, and it set the foundation for the middle order to accelerate.
This half-century was not just another addition to his tally; it was a reminder of his ability to deliver under pressure in multi-nation tournaments, where every run carries immense value.
Joins elite company in Asia Cup history
With this effort, Nissanka secured his third 50+ score in the T20 Asia Cup, equalling Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan. The list is topped by India’s Virat Kohli, who has four such scores in just nine innings. For Nissanka, who has taken just seven innings to reach this landmark, the achievement highlights his growing stature as one of the most reliable performers in Asia’s premier T20 competition.
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Most 50+ scores in T20 Asia Cup history:
- Virat Kohli – 4 (9 innings)
- Mohammad Rizwan – 3 (6 innings)
- Pathum Nissanka – 3 (7 innings)*
This feat is especially significant considering the caliber of players in the competition and the high-pressure nature of continental cricket.
Record-breaking milestone for Sri Lanka
Nissanka’s innings also carried another historic milestone. The elegant opener crossed the 2000-run mark in T20 internationals, achieving the landmark in just 68 innings. This makes him the fastest Sri Lankan batter to the milestone, surpassing Kusal Perera, who reached the figure in 76 innings.
This achievement further cements Nissanka’s reputation as the backbone of Sri Lanka’s T20 batting unit. His ability to adapt across conditions, maintain composure, and score at a healthy strike rate has made him an indispensable asset for the side.
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