Pathum Nissanka is a cricketer who plays internationally for Sri Lanka and domestically for Sinhalese Sports Club in Sri Lanka. He is a right-handed batter and right-arm leg-break bowler who can play in various formats of the game. He made his international debut for the Sri Lanka cricket team in March 2021 and currently slotted as the permanent opening batter. He is known for his aggressive batting, bowling variations, and fielding prowess.
Pathum Nissanka was born on May 18, 1998, in Galle, Sri Lanka. He grew up in a poor family and started playing cricket at the age of nine. His father, Sunil Silva, worked as a ground boy and his mother, PV Swarnalatha, sold flowers near the Kalutara temple. He has an older brother, Dilshan Perera, who is also a cricketer and plays for Negombo Cricket Club.
Pathum Nissanka is unmarried and lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He is fluent in Sinhala, English, and Tamil. He holds a bachelor's degree in sports management from Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Amsterdam. He is also a qualified cricket coach and has worked as a player-coach at Sinhalese Sports Club. He enjoys travelling, reading, and listening to music in his spare time.
Pathum Nissanka started playing cricket at Prince of Wales College, where he received guidance from former Sri Lankan cricketer Roy Dias. He represented Sri Lanka at various age-group levels and was part of the squad that played in the 2010 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. He made his first-class debut for Colts Cricket Club against Tamil Union Cricket and Athletic Club in the 2009–10 Premier League Tournament and scored 23 runs on debut. He also made his List A debut for Colts Cricket Club against Badureliya Sports Club in the same season and scored 64 runs.
Pathum Nissanka made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Sri Lanka against West Indies at North Sound on March 10, 2021. He scored 39 runs and took one catch as Sri Lanka won by eight wickets. He made his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut for Sri Lanka against West Indies at Coolidge on March 3, 2021. He scored 25 runs and took one catch as Sri Lanka lost by four wickets.
He made his Test debut for Sri Lanka against West Indies at North Sound on March 21, 2021. He scored a century on debut, becoming the fourth Sri Lankan to do so. He scored 103 runs in the first innings and 14 runs in the second innings as Sri Lanka drew the match.
Pathum Nissanka has played 12 ODIs for Sri Lanka until October 2023, scoring 413 runs at an average of 34.41 and a strike rate of 77.64. He has hit one century and two half-centuries with a highest score of 119. He has also bowled - balls and taken - wickets. His best bowling figures are -/-. He has also taken six catches.
Pathum Nissanka has played 15 T20Is for Sri Lanka until November 2022, scoring 281 runs at an average of 18.73 and a strike rate of 118.40. He has hit no centuries and one half-century with a highest score of 68 not out. He has also bowled - balls and taken - wickets. His best bowling figures are -/-. He has also taken six catches.
Pathum Nissanka has played 5 Test matches for Sri Lanka until April 2023, scoring 387 runs at an average of 48.37. He has hit one century and two half-centuries with a highest score of 103. He has also bowled - balls and taken - wickets. His best bowling figures are -/-. He has also taken five catches.
Pathum Nissanka has not captained Sri Lanka in any international matches.
Pathum Nissanka has not been involved in any major controversies in his cricket career.
Pathum Nissanka is a cricketer who plays internationally for Sri Lanka and domestically for Sinhalese Sports Club in Sri Lanka. He is a right-handed batter and right-arm leg-break bowler who can play in various formats of the game. He made his international debut for the Sri Lanka cricket team in March 2021 and currently slotted as the permanent opening batter. He is known for his aggressive batting, bowling variations, and fielding prowess. He has achieved several records and accolades for his performances and is one of the rising stars for Sri Lanka.