Pathum Nissanka’s spectacular form in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has catapulted him into the record books. Scoring his fourth consecutive fifty in the tournament, Nissanka showcased his prowess as one of the top ODI batters. His journey in the World Cup and his incredible performance in the ODI format this year highlight his undeniable talent and consistency.
A World Cup to Remember
Throughout the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, Pathum Nissanka has delivered a string of remarkable performances. He has now notched up four consecutive fifties, a feat that cements his status as a batting sensation. Nissanka’s fifty spree includes a blazing 54 against the Netherlands, followed by stellar innings of 61 and 51 against Australia and Pakistan, respectively.
This achievement makes him one of only five Sri Lankan batters to achieve the remarkable milestone of scoring 50 or more runs in three consecutive World Cup matches. Joining the ranks of cricket legends like Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Roshan Mahanama, and Arjuna Ranatunga is a testament to Nissanka’s growing stature in the sport.
It’s worth noting that Nissanka’s campaign in the World Cup began with a setback when he registered a duck in Sri Lanka’s opening match against South Africa. However, he quickly turned the tide with his exceptional run of form.
Exceptional Year in ODI Cricket
Nissanka’s remarkable journey extends beyond the World Cup. His overall ODI statistics for 2023 speak volumes about his consistency and skill. He recently achieved a significant milestone by becoming the second batter to accumulate 1,000 ODI runs in 2023, following in the footsteps of India’s Shubman Gill.
This milestone was reached during Sri Lanka’s World Cup clash against England in Bengaluru. Nissanka’s impressive 1,562 runs in 44 ODIs at an average of 38.10 underscore his tremendous contributions to his team. Among his tally are three centuries and an impressive twelve half-centuries.
The Challenging Chase
In the match against England, the defending champions found themselves with a modest target of 157 after a disappointing performance in the first innings. This total marked the lowest first innings score in a World Cup match at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium.
Sri Lanka’s run chase commenced with some early setbacks, losing Kusal Perera and skipper Kusal Mendis in the initial overs, leaving them at 23 for two in 5.2 overs. Pathum Nissanka assumed responsibility for the chase and found a valuable partner in Sadeera Samarawickrama. Nissanka’s innings, which included six boundaries and one six, culminated with a well-deserved fifty achieved in 54 balls.
As Nissanka’s incredible form continues to dazzle cricket enthusiasts, the young Sri Lankan batter has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, making 2023 a year to remember in his cricketing journey.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
