With a strong performance in the upcoming T20I series, the Sri Lankan opener is eyeing a place among the ICC\u2019s top ten batters across all three formats, reports Telecom Asia Sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Already ranked seventh in T20Is, the 27-year-old has made a compelling case in the longer formats, with a series of strong performances that have turned matches in Sri Lanka\u2019s favour.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last year, Nissanka became the first Sri Lankan to score a double hundred in One-day International (ODI) cricket. He followed that with a match-winning hundred at The Oval, helping Sri Lanka secure their first Test victory in England in ten years. Now, fresh from back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh \u2014 including a career-best 187 in Galle and a polished 158 in Colombo \u2014 Nissanka is building a foundation for greatness.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former captain, Angelo Mathews, whostepped away from the longest format recently, said Nissanka is a match-winner as he bats deep.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"He\u2019s got the game, the grit, and the gears. He doesn\u2019t just get starts \u2013 he bats deep. That\u2019s the hallmark of a player who wins you matches,\" Mathews told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In his two innings against Bangladesh, Nissanka showed exceptional discipline and calculation. \"Not once did he attempt a cut shot, nor did he fall for the bait of the short ball \u2014 even as Bangladesh positioned three fielders on the deep leg side. The pull shot was also avoided. Instead, he stuck to his scoring zones, working the spinners and driving elegantly on both front and back foot,\" the report claimed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said that is the hallmark of Nissanka's batting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"In today\u2019s age of T20 razzle-dazzle, that kind of discipline is rare. When Pathum gets in, he doesn\u2019t give it away. That\u2019s what sets him apart,\" said Jayasuriya.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yet, despite his composure, a double hundred in Tests has still eluded Nissanka. \"Twice the second new ball has ended his innings. But once he learns to navigate that challenge, his run-scoring potential could increase dramatically,\" the report said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nissanka\u2019s rise has been key to Sri Lanka\u2019s white-ball revival. After missing out on Champions Trophy qualification \u2014 a tough setback for a nation that once redefined ODI cricket \u2014 Sri Lanka has climbed to fourth in the ICC rankings, with series wins over India and Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yet, despite his composure, a double hundred in Tests has still eluded Nissanka. \"Twice the second new ball has ended his innings. But once he learns to navigate that challenge, his run-scoring potential could increase dramatically,\" the report said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n