SL vs WI [WATCH]: 4,4,4,4,4 – Pathum Nissanka smashes Shamar Joseph in 2nd T20I

Sri Lanka set a competitive total of 162/5 in their second T20I tournament against The West Indiesin Dambulla on Tuesday (October 15). After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka faced a slow start as they opened the toss, Pathum Nissanka again Kusal Mendis, managed only 8 runs in the first three overs. However, the momentum of the game changed drastically in the fourth over, mainly because of Nissanka’s strong play. His quick pace set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings, ratcheting up the pressure after a good start.

Pathum Nissanka’s explosive batting: Five consecutive boundaries

The turning point of Sri Lanka’s innings came in the fourth over, it was bowled Shamar Joseph. Nissanka, who had struggled to score early, dropped a string of five consecutive boundaries to Joseph, collecting 25 runs in one over. The sequence started with a farewell leg run to the boundary, but the real action started during the second delivery when Nissanka hit a powerful shot over extra cover.

He continued his attack with a boundary on the top edge over fine short leg, followed by a drive to wide mid-on. The Nissanka was not finished; he reads the short fifth ball well, pulls it to square leg which goes back to his fourth line. He finished the over by cutting a slower ball back to the four-five. This completely changed the complexion of the game, as Nissanka’s attack forced the West Indies back.

Here is the video:

Pathum Nissanka, take the bow! 🫡🤌🏻

The Lankan opener showed his range as he hit Shamar Joseph from all around the park for 6 boundaries! 🔥#SLvWIonFanCode pic.twitter.com/nxBdJqCFPF

– Fan Code (@FanCode) October 15, 2024

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Sri Lanka’s innings and West Indies’ bowling struggles

Nissanka’s innings attack of 54 off 49 balls, which included 9 fours and 1 six, was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s innings. His opening partnership of 77 runs no Kusal Mendis (26 off 25 balls) provided a solid platform for the middle order. Kusal Perera he added a quick 24 off 16 balls, which contributed to Sri Lanka’s momentum 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 bowlers. However, they struggled to get a hold of the Sri Lankan top order, with Joseph (1/35) bearing the brunt of Nissanka’s attack. Gudakesh Motie bowled a very economical spell, conceding just 13 runs in 4 overs, but the rest of the bowling attack sputtered, making Sri Lanka bowl a challenging total.

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