Cricket, often lauded for its glorious uncertainties, occasionally offers moments that defy logic and leave spectators both bewildered and amused. One such peculiar incident unfolded during a high-stakes Asia Cup Super Four clash between Sri Lanka and India in Dubai, perfectly encapsulating the dramatic narrative of Pathum Nissanka’s record-breaking century.
While Nissanka etched his name into the annals of Sri Lankan cricket with a magnificent T20I century, a particular passage of play in the 10th over of Sri Lanka`s chase against India presented a rare, almost comical, scenario. The stage was set, the tension palpable, as Sri Lanka pursued India’s formidable total of 202/5. Batting maestro Pathum Nissanka was well into his stride, dismantling the Indian bowling attack with a blend of power and precision.
The Six That Wasn`t: A `Dead Ball` Oddity
The incident involved India`s mystery spinner, Varun Chakaravarthy. As Chakaravarthy prepared to deliver, the umpire, with a decisive gesture, declared it a `dead ball`. However, in the heat of the moment, the bowler remained oblivious to the official’s call and proceeded to bowl. Nissanka, equally immersed in the flow of the game, reacted instinctively, dispatching the ball with significant force towards the long-on boundary. Axar Patel, patrolling the ropes, managed to palm the ball over, a clear six by all conventional metrics.
The crowd roared, then fell silent as the scoreboard remained unmoved. The umpire`s initial, unnoticed call rendered the entire sequence of events — the delivery, the shot, the boundary — null and void. A powerful six, a moment of brilliant hitting, yielded precisely zero runs. It was a stark, almost ironic, contrast to the individual brilliance Nissanka was about to display, a fleeting reminder that even in professional cricket, the rules, once invoked, reign supreme, however inconveniently timed. One could almost feel the phantom points evaporate into the Dubai night air.
Nissanka`s Luminous Century Amidst High Drama
Despite this unusual interlude, Nissanka remained undeterred, channeling his focus into an exhibition of exquisite timing and audacious power-hitting. He blazed his way to 107 runs off just 58 balls, a knock adorned with 7 fours and 6 towering sixes. It was his maiden T20I century, a landmark achievement that underscored his growing stature in international cricket.
This remarkable innings, however, was not merely about personal milestones; it was a masterclass that pushed India to the very brink. Sri Lanka, matching India`s substantial score of 202/5 in 20 overs, forced the game into a Super Over. While India ultimately clinched victory in the tie-breaker, Nissanka’s performance ensured the match would be remembered for its thrilling conclusion and his individual heroics.
Rewriting the Record Books: A Legacy Unfolds
Nissanka`s century against India was far from an isolated feat; it was a performance laden with historical significance. He wasn`t just scoring runs; he was rewriting the record books with an almost casual authority:
- Surpassing Kohli`s 50+ Scores: Nissanka eclipsed none other than Virat Kohli for the most 50-plus scores in the T20 Asia Cup, registering his fifth such score in 12 innings, surpassing Kohli`s four in nine.
- Highest Run-Getter in T20 Asia Cup: He also leapfrogged Kohli to become the highest run-scorer in the history of the T20 Asia Cup, accumulating 434 runs in 12 appearances, thereby improving upon the former Indian skipper’s previous record of 429.
- Century in All Formats: At 27, Nissanka became only the fourth Sri Lankan player to score a century in every international format (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is), joining an elite club alongside Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, and Mahela Jayawardene.
- Third Player to T20 Asia Cup Ton: His majestic ton, reached in a mere 51 deliveries, also made him just the third player to wallop a century in the T20 Asia Cup, following Babar Hayat of Hong Kong (122) and India’s own Virat Kohli (122*).
A Bright Future for Sri Lankan Cricket
Pathum Nissanka’s display in Dubai was a testament to his talent, resilience, and burgeoning influence on the international stage. Despite the eventual Super Over defeat, his individual brilliance offered a beacon of hope for Sri Lankan cricket. It was an innings of contrasts: a six that didn`t count, yet a century that counted for so much, breaking records and showcasing a player ready to lead his nation`s charge in the cricketing world.
His ability to perform under pressure, coupled with his penchant for breaking records held by legends, positions him as a pivotal figure for Sri Lanka`s future. The `dead ball` incident may have denied him a few runs, but it couldn`t diminish the monumental impact of his bat, nor the indelible mark he left on an unforgettable Asia Cup encounter.
