Image Credit- AFP
The first Sri Lankan player to reach the century mark
in an ODI is Pathum Nissanka. Indeed, peruse it, speak it out, and allow it to
fully settle in. Why would anyone ever practise for such a ridiculous scenario
when this isn’t even a drill?
It would be an understatement to say that Nissanka
does not fit the typical batter’s mould in order to do this. Here is the list
of other men who achieved double centurion, in no specific sequence, for your
records: Glenn Maxwell, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Chris Gayle, Fakhar Zaman,
Martin Guptill, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rohit Sharma. Observe a trend? And now,
Nissanka.
Here are a few Sri Lankans who came very near. Of
course, many Sri Lankans remember Sanath Jayasuriya’s score of 189 more highly
than any of Rohit’s doubles. Tillakaratne Dilshan, on the other hand, struck
160, 160*, and 161*, but never any more. Many believed that Kumar Sangakkara
would win in his 169, but he was also unsuccessful. On the way to 174, Upul
Tharanga made some small talk with the double but never actually threatened.
Then Pathum Nissanka appears, smashing a spinner from
Afghanistan over deep midwicket.
It was in March 2021, away in the Caribbean, when he
made his international debut, and the overwhelming feeling was Sri Lanka had
unearthed their next great Test batter.
“He’ll carry Sri Lankan cricket forward –
certainly in Test cricket, and he’ll play a massive role in one-day cricket.
How he develops his T20 cricket, time will tell.” That was then head coach
Mickey Arthur shortly after his debut.
It’s safe to assume that Nissanka objects to being
categorised. However, he finds enjoyment in his profession. Work quietly in the
darkness and buckle down when everyone else is packing up but you’re not.
Despite having to drag yourself through Sri Lanka’s
broken domestic system, it’s the kind of work that prepares you for combat when
you first join the national team.
Above all, it’s the type of job where the objective
takes precedence over any kind of personal success. While Sri Lanka recently
celebrated their first double century, it may seem strange to say this, but
Nissanka showed selflessness throughout his innings.
In the end he was rewarded with records and accolades.
His 210 had come at a strike rate of 151.07, only comparable to peak Jayasuriya
– with the man himself applauding the achievement from the stands.
Even as Charith Asalanka embraced Nissanka in a
bearhug, all he could do was grin – almost in disbelief. Had he really done
that? Well, he had, and now it’ll be back to work.