Twin centurion Pathum Nissanka ‘ready to take over role of a senior’
Pathum Nissanka’s twin centuries – 187 in Galle and 158 in Colombo – not only anchored Sri Lanka’s dominance against Bangladesh but also marked a personal milestone that had eluded one of the island’s most promising talents.
Speaking after the series victory, the 26-year-old opener revealed the significance of finally converting his overseas success to home conditions.
Pathum Nissanka (L) and coach Sanath Jayasuriya celebrate Sri Lanka's win in the end of fourth day of the second Test cricket match against Bangladesh at the SSC - AFP
“This is the first time I have scored runs in Sri Lanka,” Nissanka admitted with evident satisfaction.
“All this while I was scoring overseas in Test cricket. So, it feels good to contribute at home.”
Prior to this series, Nissanka had registered two Test centuries – both away from home. His maiden hundred came on debut against the West Indies, where he scored 103 batting in the middle order. He followed that with an unbeaten 127 against England at the Oval in 2024, leading Sri Lanka to a crushing 8-wicket victory.
Nissanka’s emergence as a consistent run-scorer comes at a crucial time for Sri Lankan cricket. With veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement, the responsibility of leading the batting unit has naturally fallen to the young opener.
“I am now the senior opener with Dimuth Karunaratne retired and I try to do my best for the team,” he reflected, acknowledging the weight of expectation on his shoulders.
His approach in both Tests demonstrated the confidence of a player comfortable with his role and responsibilities. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva was effusive in his praise for the diminutive opener.
“Pathum Nissanka is a star for us. Not just in Test cricket, but across all formats he has been very consistent for us,” said the captain.
The opener noted the contrasting nature of the two playing surfaces, explaining how his team adapted their strategies accordingly.
“The Galle surface was completely different from what we usually play on. It was flat throughout, but here in Colombo the pitch started turning from day three onwards and things went according to our plan,” Nissanka explained.