Sri Lankan cricketer Pathum Nissanka achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring a stunning century in the second innings of the Test match against England at The Oval. His innings of 127 runs came off just 124 balls, featuring 2 sixes and 14 fours, showcasing a brilliant display of aggressive yet controlled batting. This historic achievement marked the first time a Sri Lankan batsman managed to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match in England, underscoring the significance of his performance in the context of Sri Lankan cricket history.
The Match Journey
Initially, Nissanka faced a challenging start to the series, as he was not included in the playing eleven for the first Test and could only muster 26 runs in the second Test at Lord’s. However, his fortunes changed dramatically at The Oval, where he found his rhythm and led his team to victory. In the first innings, he scored a commendable half-century before launching into his scintillating double century in the second innings, steering Sri Lanka to chase down the target of 220 runs set by England with relative ease.
Turning the Tide: Sri Lanka’s Triumph
Nissanka’s performance not only showcased his individual skills but also played a crucial role in securing an 8-wicket victory for Sri Lanka against a formidable England side. His innings included crucial partnerships; he first built a solid 39-run partnership with Dimuth Karunaratne, followed by a significant 69-run partnership with Kusal Mendis. Ultimately, Nissanka and Angelo Mathews formed an unbeaten stand of 111 runs, leading Sri Lanka to a historic win.
Pathum Nissanka raises his bat for a magnificent second Test century!
What a knock! ???? #pathumnissanka #SLvENG pic.twitter.com/8ISVosrjAF
— Sri Lanka Cricket ???????? (@OfficialSLC) September 9, 2024
Historic Recognition
Pathum Nissanka’s achievement places him in an elite group, becoming the 8th Sri Lankan opener to score a Test century against England. He joins the ranks of legends like Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Marvan Atapattu. Nissanka’s consistent performance not only contributes to his individual accolades but also enhances the collective strength of the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
A Rising Star in Test Cricket
Despite having played only 11 Test matches, Nissanka’s impact has been substantial. Accumulating 750 runs at an impressive average of 44.11, his record includes 2 centuries and 6 half-centuries. His techniques and ability to perform under pressure have drawn commendations from cricket analysts, suggesting a bright future ahead for this talented batsman in Sri Lankan cricket.
