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Pathum Nissanka's Record-Breaking 98*: How He Became Sri Lanka's Top T20I Scorer

Pathum Nissanka has made history by becoming Sri Lanka's leading T20I run-scorer. His explosive 98-run innings powered Sri Lanka to a dominant victory over Zimbabwe. This record-breaking performance came at a crucial time, ending Sri Lanka's five-match losing streak. The win keeps their tri-series hopes alive heading into the decider against Pakistan.

Key Points: Pathum Nissanka Becomes Sri Lanka's Leading T20I Run Scorer

  • Nissanka now has 2326 T20I runs, surpassing Kusal Perera's previous record of 2305
  • His match-winning 98* came from just 58 deliveries with 18 fifties and one century
  • Sri Lanka snapped a five-match losing streak with this comprehensive nine-wicket victory
  • The win sets up a crucial decider against Pakistan for a spot in the tri-series final
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Pathum Nissanka surpasses Kusal Perera as Sri Lanka's top T20I run scorer

Pathum Nissanka surpasses Kusal Perera as Sri Lanka's top T20I run-scorer after smashing 98* against Zimbabwe, keeping Sri Lanka's tri-series hopes alive.

"He hammered a blistering 98 off 58 balls, powering Sri Lanka to a crushing 147-run win - Match Report"

Rawalpindi, November 26

Pathum Nissanka surpassed Kusal Perera to become Sri Lanka's top T20I run-scorer, starring in a match-winning innings that propelled his team to a comfortable win over Zimbabwe in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, keeping their tri-series hopes alive.

He hammered a blistering 98 off 58 balls, powering Sri Lanka to a crushing 147-run win against Zimbabwe in just 16.2 overs, with nine wickets to spare.

Nissanka has slammed 2326 runs in 77 T20I fixtures at an average of 32.30 and a strike rate of 126.89 with 18 fifties and a hundred under his belt. He went past Perera, who currently has 2,305 runs from 91 T20Is.

Sri Lanka snapped a five-match T20I losing streak with this victory, and also their first in the tri-series. This win for Sri Lanka sets up a thrilling decider against Pakistan on Thursday, with a win guaranteeing them a spot in the tri-series final.

Coming to the match, Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat. Sri Lanka bowlers restricted Zimbabwe batters to 146-5 with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga scalping two wickets, while Dasun Shanaka also chipped in with a wicket.

Zimbabwe skipper Sikandar Raza (37) and Ryan Burl (37) provided a crucial partnership in the back end, while Brian Bennett (34) also played a vital innings at the top order.

In reply, Sri Lanka hurried to 60 runs inside the power-play. Sri Lanka's opening batter Kamil Mishara fell in the last of the power-play after struggling in the middle; he made 12 runs off 15 balls. Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (25* off 25) ensured stability as they slammed an unbroken 89-run partnership that wrapped up the match with 22 deliveries to spare.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 146/5 (Ryan Burl 37*, Sikandar Raza 37; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/23) Sri Lanka 148/1 (Pathum Nissanka 98*, Kusal Mendis 25; Brad Evans 1/36).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Nissanka's achievement is remarkable considering he's played 14 fewer matches than Perera. His strike rate of 126.89 shows he's a modern T20 player. Sri Lanka cricket is in good hands with talents like him and Hasaranga.
R
Rohit P
That 147-run win is absolutely dominant! Zimbabwe had no answers to Nissanka's batting. The Asia Cup rivalry between India and Sri Lanka just got more interesting with players like him around. Can't wait for the Pakistan match now!
S
Sarah B
While Nissanka's achievement is impressive, I wish the article gave more credit to the bowlers too. Theekshana and Hasaranga restricting Zimbabwe to 146 set up the platform. Team effort matters as much as individual records.
V
Vikram M
Just 2 runs short of a century! Must be heartbreaking for him but what an innings nevertheless. Sri Lanka needed this win badly after 5 consecutive losses. Good to see them bouncing back strongly.
M
Michael C
The partnership with Mendis was crucial too - 89 runs unbeaten shows great temperament. Sri Lankan cricket has produced some fine batsmen over the years, and Nissanka seems to be carrying that legacy forward beautifully.

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