Pathum Nissanka was born on 18 May 1998 in Galle, Sri Lanka. He is the permanent opening batsman for the national side and represents Sri Lanka in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Domestically he has played for Hambantota District, Badureliya Sports Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club and provincial sides such as Kandy. In the Indian Premier League he is contracted to Delhi Capitals, while he also turned out for the Gulf Giants in the International League T20. His career aggregates include 1,310 Test runs from 19 matches, 2,364 ODI runs from 70 matches and 2,639 T20I runs from 90 matches.
Nissanka’s highest scores are 187 in Tests against Bangladesh, 137 in ODIs against Australia and an unbeaten 107 in T20Is. He became the first Sri Lankan to score a double‑hundred in ODIs with an unbeaten 210 against Afghanistan in February 2024. He has recorded four Test centuries, five ODI hundreds and two T20I centuries. Injuries have interrupted his career, most notably a hamstring problem that ruled him out of a Test series in Pakistan in October 2026.
Pathum Nissanka: quick facts
- Born: 18 May 1998, Galle
- Team: Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka career statistics
Batting
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike rate | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 19 | 33 | 1,310 | 187 | 42.26 | 56.69 | 4 | 7 |
| ODIs | 70 | 70 | 2,364 | 137 | 35.28 | 84.82 | 5 | 17 |
| T20Is | 90 | 89 | 2,639 | 107 | 31.05 | 128.11 | 2 | 18 |
| IPL | 10 | 10 | 278 | 62 | 27.80 | 158.86 | 0 | 2 |
Figures as of 16 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.
Digital marketing that shows up in revenuePathum Nissanka’s early life
Pathum Nissanka was born on 18 May 1998 in the coastal city of Galle. His father, Sunil Silva, worked as a ground boy and his mother sold flowers near the Kalutara temple, providing a modest upbringing. He attended Kalutara Vidyalaya before moving to Isipathana College in Colombo, where his cricketing talent began to emerge.
During school cricket he displayed remarkable scoring ability, most notably an unbeaten double century of 205 off 190 balls against President's College, Rajagiriya at the Colts Ground in Colombo. This innings highlighted his capacity to dominate at a young age and laid the foundation for his progression to senior domestic cricket.
Pathum Nissanka’s personal life
Nissanka grew up in a modest household; his father Sunil Silva worked as a ground boy while his mother sold flowers near a temple in Kalutara. He received his education at Kalutara Vidyalaya and later at Isipathana College, Colombo, where his cricketing promise was first recognised.
Pathum Nissanka: frequently asked questions
When was Pathum Nissanka born?
Pathum Nissanka was born on 18 May 1998 in Galle.
Where is Pathum Nissanka from?
Pathum Nissanka was born in Galle, Sri Lanka.
Which teams has Pathum Nissanka played for?
Pathum Nissanka plays international cricket for Sri Lanka.
Which IPL team does Pathum Nissanka play for?
Pathum Nissanka’s IPL teams include Delhi Capitals.
When did Pathum Nissanka make an international debut?
Pathum Nissanka made a Test debut against West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on 21 March 2021. Pathum Nissanka made an ODI debut against West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua on 10 March 2021. Pathum Nissanka made a T20I debut against West Indies at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua on 3 March 2021.
What is Pathum Nissanka’s highest score?
Pathum Nissanka’s highest score is 187 in Tests, 137 in ODIs, 107 in T20Is and 62 in the IPL.
How many centuries has Pathum Nissanka scored?
Pathum Nissanka has scored 4 centuries in Tests, 5 centuries in ODIs and 2 centuries in T20Is.
