Sometimes in cricket, it’s not the loud, flashy sixes that win you games—it’s the calm, calculated innings that slowly choke the opposition. That’s exactly what Pathum Nissanka brings to the table for Sri Lanka. In the recent Asia Cup showdown against Bangladesh, former cricketer Farveez Maharoof summed it up perfectly: Nissanka is one of the best in the world right now. And honestly, it’s hard to argue with him. 

 

Why Nissanka’s Technique Stands Out

 

First things first—this guy is solid. In today’s cricket world, we’re used to seeing players who are specialists in either Tests, ODIs, or T20s. But Nissanka? He’s built for all three formats. His technical game is so compact that he looks like a Test match player even when he’s driving through covers in a T20 chase. The beauty of it is that his technique isn’t a cage—it’s a foundation that lets him play freely.

 

What sets him apart is how he scores without looking chaotic. No crazy swings or reverse sweeping every other delivery – he simply leans into his drives, finds the gaps, and keeps the scoreboard moving. That is like gold dust in the modern-day cricketing world, where a lot of players are heavily relied on power-hitting. It takes you back to an era where timing and placement were more important than power.

 

The Game-Changer for Sri Lanka

 

Here’s the thing about Nissanka—when he gives Sri Lanka a good start, the team usually wins. Maharoof pointed it out: almost 9 times out of 10, a strong Nissanka innings means a strong Sri Lanka performance. That’s not just a coincidence, it’s an impact.

 

In the match against Bangladesh, he had a low chase and did not perhaps have to go mental with the bat, but he did the job as well as he possibly could. He stabilised the innings, kept the scoreboard ticking over, and ensured that the innings didn’t have any hiccup whatsoever. The steady presence of Nissanka is massively valuable for a team such as Sri Lanka that relies on the collective versus one real special individual.

 

The Perfect Partner Equation

 

However, let’s be honest – every good opener quickly finds their best partner at the other end. Think Sehwag and Gambhir, Hayden and Gilchrist, or Tamim and Shakib in their prime. Nissanka is no different. 

 

Pathum Nissanka isn’t the loudest cricketer out there, but maybe that’s what makes him so dangerous. He’s the guy who quietly builds an innings, frustrates bowlers with his technique, and then walks off having done the job without breaking a sweat. Farveez Maharoof calling him one of the best in the world might sound like a bold claim, but when you look at the numbers, the consistency, and the calmness under pressure, it starts to feel pretty accurate.

 

Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup journey will hinge on how often Nissanka can give them that rock-solid start. The question now is—will he continue this golden run and cement his place among the elite openers in world cricket? Or is the best yet to come?

 

FAQs 

 

1: Why is Pathum Nissanka considered one of the best in the world?

Because of his consistency, solid technique, and ability to deliver across all three formats.

 

2: How does Nissanka impact Sri Lanka’s chances in matches?

When he gives a strong start, Sri Lanka usually ends up winning.

 

3: What makes Nissanka’s batting style unique?

He scores with timing and placement instead of relying solely on power-hitting.