Sri Lanka set a competitive total of 162/5 in their second T20I clash against West Indies, at Dambulla on Tuesday (October 15). After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka faced a slow start as their opening pair, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, managed only 8 runs in the first three overs. However, the game’s momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth over, largely due to Nissanka’s aggressive stroke play. His rapid acceleration set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings, lifting the pressure off after a cautious beginning.

Pathum Nissanka’s explosive batting: Five consecutive boundaries

The turning point of Sri Lanka’s innings came in the fourth over, bowled by Shamar Joseph. Nissanka, who had struggled to score early on, unleashed a series of five consecutive boundaries off Joseph, collecting 25 runs in a single over. The sequence began with a leg bye that raced to the boundary, but the real action kicked off on the second delivery when Nissanka hit a powerful shot over extra cover.

He continued his assault with a top-edged boundary over a short fine leg, followed by a drive through wide mid-off. Nissanka wasn’t finished yet; he read the short fifth ball perfectly, pulling it to backward square leg for his fourth boundary. He concluded the over by cutting a slower back-of-length ball past backward point for the fifth four. This over completely changed the complexion of the match, as Nissanka’s aggression forced West Indies onto the back foot.

Here’s the video:

Pathum Nissanka, take a bow! 🫡🤌🏻

The Lankan opener showed his range as he smacked Shamar Joseph all around the park in an over that featured 6 boundaries! 🔥#SLvWIonFanCode pic.twitter.com/nxBdJqCFPF

— FanCode (@FanCode) October 15, 2024

Also READ: Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2024, T20I Series: Date, Match Time, Squads, Broadcast & Live Streaming details

Sri Lanka’s innings and West Indies bowling struggles

Nissanka’s attacking innings of 54 from 49 balls, including 9 fours and 1 six, was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s innings. His 77-run opening partnership with Kusal Mendis (26 off 25 balls) provided a strong platform for the middle order. Kusal Perera added a quick 24 from 16 balls, contributing to Sri Lanka’s acceleration in the middle overs. Despite losing wickets in the latter stages, Kamindu Mendis (19 off 14) and Charith Asalanka (9 off 7) chipped in with useful runs, helping Sri Lanka reach 162/5 in 20 overs.

For West Indies, Romario Shepherd (2/23) and Alzarri Joseph (1/33) were the pick of the bowlers. Nevertheless, they struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s top order, with Joseph (1/35) bearing the brunt of Nissanka’s onslaught. Gudakesh Motie delivered a highly economical spell, conceding only 13 runs in 4 overs, but the rest of the bowling attack leaked runs, allowing Sri Lanka to post a challenging total.

Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket announces the schedule for the home white-ball series against New Zealand

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