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Pathum Nissanka became Sri Lanka’s third-highest T20I run-scorer with 55 in a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe; Kamindu Mendis was Player of the Match.
Sri Lanka’s star batter Pathum Nissanka (X/SLC)
Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka surpassed legendary batter Tillakaratne Dilshan to become the third-highest run-scorer for the Island nation on Wednesday.
Nissanka achieved this milestone during the first T20I against Zimbabwe, where he continued his consistent performance across all formats, scoring 55 runs off 32 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes, at a strike rate of 171.87.
Now, in 66 T20Is for Sri Lanka, Nissanka has amassed 1,909 runs at an average of 30.79 and a strike rate of 122.68, including 15 half-centuries with a highest score of 90. Dilshan is now fourth, having scored 1,889 runs in 80 matches and 79 innings, averaging 28.19 with a strike rate of 120.54, with a century and 13 fifties, his best being 104*.
The top two spots are held by Kusal Perera (2,084 runs in 81 matches and 80 innings, averaging 27.06 with a century and 15 fifties) and Kusal Mendis (2,045 runs in 82 matches and innings, averaging 25.88 with 16 half-centuries and a highest score of 86).
Who Has Scored Most Runs For Sri Lanks In T20Is?
| Rank | Player | Matches | Runs | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kusal Perera | 81 | 2,084 | 27.06 | 1 | 15 |
| 2 | Kusal Mendis | 82 | 2,045 | 25.88 | 0 | 16 |
| 3 | Pathum Nissanka | 66 | 1,909 | 30.79 | 0 | 15 |
| 4 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | 80 | 1,889 | 28.19 | 1 | 13 |
Pathum Nissanka’s contribution of 55 helped Sri Lanka secure a four-wicket win over Zimbabwe in the first T20I at Harare, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brian Bennett scored 81 off 57 balls, with 12 fours, forming a 50-run partnership for the third wicket with skipper Sikandar Raza, who scored 28 off 22 balls, with two fours and a six. Bennett also had a 51-run stand with Ryan Burl, who scored 17. Zimbabwe posted a total of 175/7 in their 20 overs.
Dushmantha Chameera was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 3/30. Nuwan Thushara, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dushan Hemantha each took a wicket.
Sri Lanka had a solid start with a 96-run opening stand between Nissanka (55 off 32 balls, with four boundaries and two sixes) and Kusal Mendis (38 off 35 balls, with four boundaries). Sri Lanka then faced a setback, being reduced to 142/6, with Richard Ngarava (2/19), Blessing Muzarabani, Tinotenda Maposa, Brad Evans, and Raza each taking a wicket.
However, Kamindu Mendis (41* off 16 balls, with a four and four sixes) and Dushan Hemantha (14* off nine balls, with two fours) guided Sri Lanka to victory with four wickets and five balls remaining. Kamindu Mendis’s impactful performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
(With inputs from ANI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
- Location :
Harare, Zimbabwe
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