Pathum Nissanka enters rare league with Virat Kohli after stunning Asia Cup century

Pathum Nissanka matches Virat Kohli's feat [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @sarcastic_us/X.com]

The India-Sri Lanka clash in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours produced yet another thriller. Pathum Nissanka scripted history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to score a century in the T20 Asia Cup and only the third batter overall, joining India’s Virat Kohli in this exclusive club.

India, batting first, has posted 202 runs on the board after Abhishek Sharma's (61) and Tilak Varma's (49) notable knocks. While the chase was steep, Sri Lankan opener Nissanka came out all guns blazing and almost took the game away from India.

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Pathum Nissanka takes centre stage with a remarkable ton

Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka reached his hundred in just 52 balls with a 6, lighting up the contest and keeping Sri Lanka alive in their steep chase of India’s 202/5.

His innings of 107 off 58 balls, laced with 7 fours and 6 sixes, was his maiden T20I hundred and one that will be remembered for a long time. With that ton, Nissanka has become only the third batter after Virat Kohli and Babar Hayat to score a century in Men’s T20 Asia Cup history.

Batters with centuries in T20 Asia Cup history

Despite his heroics, Sri Lanka couldn’t seal the win. With support from Kusal Perera’s 58 off 32 balls, Pathum Nissanka guided his side close, but they fell just short as the game ended in a tie at 202/5 in 20 overs, forcing a dramatic Super Over.

Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, the Super Over turned into a nightmare. India's left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh bowled an exceptional over, removing two batsmen and giving only 2 runs. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav then got it done in style, hitting the first ball for 3 runs and sealing India’s victory.

Nissanka achieves personal milestone on dramatic night

That being said, the match wasn't only about records but also about emotion. For Pathum Nissanka, it was an individual achievement, as he became Sri Lanka's elite T20 centurions club member, joining the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Kusal Perera.

More importantly, his innings proved he can stand tall against the best bowling attacks in world cricket. On the other hand, India’s resilience once again shone through. Having already beaten Sri Lanka in a Super Over last year, they repeated the feat and entered the Asia Cup 2025 final unbeaten.

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