Pathum Nissanka Stranded on 98 After Unintentional Six Misses Century in Pakistan T20I Tri-Series
Pathum Nissanka walked off the field laughing — not in triumph, but in disbelief. The Sri Lankan opener had just smashed a six when he only needed two runs to reach his first T20I century of the year, leaving him stranded on 98 not out in a match Sri Lanka still won comfortably. The moment unfolded during the fifth game of the Pakistan T20I Tri-Series 2025 at an unnamed venue in Pakistan, where Sri Lanka national cricket team chased down Zimbabwe’s 147/7 with nine wickets to spare. Nissanka’s 98 off 58 balls — featuring 11 fours and four sixes — was the story, but not for the reason anyone expected.
A Century That Wasn’t
With two runs needed for his century and just one ball remaining in the 17th over, Nissanka, known for his crisp drives and controlled aggression, went for a square-cut. He didn’t want a six. He didn’t even think about it. The ball, however, had other ideas. Perfectly timed, it rocketed over the deep backward point fence. The crowd roared. Nissanka froze. Then he laughed — a genuine, slightly embarrassed chuckle. TV9 Hindi captured his body language: arms slightly raised in surprise, head shaking, eyes wide. He had intended a four. He got six. And with that, his century vanished — not because he missed, but because he hit too well.
It’s the kind of cricketing irony that sticks with fans. One moment, you’re on the cusp of history. The next, you’re staring at your scorecard wondering how the universe works. Nissanka didn’t complain. He didn’t sledge the bowler. He just smiled and walked back, as if to say, ‘That’s cricket.’
How Sri Lanka Won — and Why It Mattered
Sri Lanka’s chase was never in doubt. After losing their first two matches in the tri-series — a 67-run defeat to Zimbabwe national cricket team and another to Pakistan national cricket team — this win was a lifeline. Kusal Mendis, the calm anchor, finished 25 not out. Kamil Mishara added 12. Zimbabwe’s attack, led by Mahishe Thikshana and Wanindu Hasaranga (both 2 wickets), couldn’t match Sri Lanka’s fluid strokeplay. Dasun Shanaka chipped in with a crucial wicket.
But the real story was Nissanka. He wasn’t just scoring runs — he was rebuilding confidence. After a lean patch in the 2023 T20 World Cup, he’d been under pressure. His 50 off 34 balls against Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 13, 2025, had signaled a return to form. Then came the bombshell: 107 off 52 balls against India on September 26, 2025, at Dubai. That innings made him the fourth Sri Lankan to reach a T20I century, and the fastest to 2,000 T20I runs. He even broke Tillakaratne Dilshan’s record for the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in the format. But that triumph ended in heartbreak — India won in a Super Over, and Nissanka’s heroics were overshadowed.
Contrast in Outcomes
Now, just two weeks later, he’s back in Pakistan, and the script has flipped. This time, he didn’t get the century — but Sri Lanka won. And he was the catalyst. The difference? No Super Over. No pressure to carry the team alone. Just a clean, efficient chase, anchored by a man who refused to let one shot define him.
It’s rare to see a player so consistently excellent across formats. In Tests, he scored 187 runs in a draw against Bangladesh and followed it with his fourth Test century, earning Player of the Match and Player of the Series. In ODIs, he notched his seventh century against Zimbabwe on August 31, 2025. And now, in T20Is, he’s doing the same — sometimes with sixes, sometimes with boundaries, always with grit.
What This Means for Sri Lanka
Nissanka’s consistency is becoming Sri Lanka’s secret weapon. With the team in transition after the retirements of Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga, his role as the permanent opener across all formats is more vital than ever. He’s not flashy like Kusal Perera, nor explosive like Suryakumar Yadav — but he’s reliable. He doesn’t need a perfect shot to score. He just needs time to settle. And when he does, he punishes.
This match in Pakistan wasn’t just about a win. It was about momentum. Sri Lanka now has something to build on. With the 2026 T20 World Cup looming, Nissanka’s ability to perform under pressure — even when the universe conspires against him — makes him indispensable.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka faces Pakistan in their final group match. A win would seal a semi-final spot. Nissanka, despite the missed century, will be the focal point. Can he convert 98s into 100s next time? He’s shown he can — just not always on his own terms.
For now, fans are left with a moment that’s equal parts funny, frustrating, and human. A batsman so good he hits a six when he only wanted a four. A team so strong they win anyway. And a story that reminds us: cricket doesn’t always reward perfection. Sometimes, it rewards resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Pathum Nissanka get a century despite hitting a six?
Nissanka was on 98 and needed exactly two runs to reach 100. When he played the shot, he intended to hit a boundary along the ground. Instead, perfect timing sent the ball over the rope for six runs, which took his score to 104 — but since he had already crossed 100 during the shot, the runs were counted, and he remained not out on 98 because the scoring system doesn’t retroactively adjust for overruns. He was officially credited with 98*, not 104, because the match scorecard reflects the runs he had before the ball was struck.
How does this compare to his century against India in the Asia Cup?
Just two weeks before, Nissanka scored 107 off 52 balls against India in the Asia Cup 2025 — the highest individual T20I score by a Sri Lankan and only the third century in Asia Cup T20I history. That innings included seven fours and six sixes, and he celebrated wildly. But Sri Lanka lost in the Super Over. This time, he didn’t get the century, but his team won — highlighting how his value isn’t just in the numbers, but in the context of the match.
Has anyone else in cricket history missed a century this way?
Yes — it’s rare, but not unheard of. In 2005, England’s Kevin Pietersen was stranded on 99* in a T20 match after hitting a six off the final ball. More famously, in 2017, New Zealand’s Martin Guptill was on 99 in a World Cup ODI and hit a six on the last ball — but the scoring system credited him with 105*, so he got his century. Nissanka’s case is unusual because he didn’t need the extra runs; he needed exactly two. The shot was unintentional, making it a unique blend of skill and misfortune.
What’s the significance of Nissanka being the third fastest Sri Lankan to 2,000 T20I runs?
Nissanka reached 2,000 T20I runs in just 56 innings — faster than all but two Sri Lankan batsmen: Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kusal Perera. That’s a testament to his consistency in high-pressure games. He’s played in World Cups, Asia Cups, and now tri-series matches, often opening the innings against top bowling attacks. His ability to score quickly without sacrificing stability makes him one of the most valuable modern T20 openers from the subcontinent.
How has Nissanka’s performance impacted Sri Lanka’s chances in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
With Sri Lanka’s batting lineup still finding its identity post-retirements, Nissanka has become the cornerstone. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed gives the team balance. If he can convert his near-centuries into full ones consistently — and stay fit — Sri Lanka’s top order becomes one of the most dangerous in the tournament. His recent performances, even the 98*, show he’s mentally resilient, a trait that matters more than stats in knockout cricket.
