by Rex Clementine

Sri Lanka’s prolific top-order batter, Pathum Nissanka, is set to rewrite the cricketing record books and ascend to the pinnacle of world batting, according to Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya. The 26-year-old has already etched his name in history, shattering Jayasuriya’s long-standing record for the most runs in an ODI innings and becoming the first Sri Lankan to score a double century in limited-overs cricket. He followed it up with a masterful Test century on a seaming Oval pitch, steering Sri Lanka to their first win in England in a decade.

Nissanka currently flies the Sri Lankan flag high in the ICC rankings, sitting eighth in ODIs and ninth in T20s—the highest among his compatriots.

“Pathum isn’t just destined to top the ICC rankings; I believe he’s capable of much bigger things,” Jayasuriya declared at a media briefing at SLC headquarters yesterday.

“The effort he puts into training is nothing short of remarkable. He’s a hundred-percenter, a true workhorse with an insane level of discipline. He’s a professional, always striving to improve. He constantly engages with coaches, addressing the grey areas in his batting. As a coach, seeing that kind of dedication is heartening,” Jayasuriya said with evident pride.

Jayasuriya was quick to highlight that Nissanka isn’t alone in his commitment. “It’s not just Pathum—our entire batting unit deserves applause for their work ethic. Training sessions often stretch for hours because everyone is so focused on fine-tuning their skills. This team is cultivating an incredibly positive environment,” he added.

Sri Lanka’s cricket resurgence under Jayasuriya has been nothing short of spectacular. After clinching yet another series victory on Tuesday night, the team jetted off to South Africa in the early hours of the morning.

“When I took over, we were in dire straits. But with a lot of sweat and toil, we’ve climbed the ladder. However, reaching the summit isn’t the ultimate goal; staying there is the real challenge, and that demands even greater effort,” Jayasuriya emphasized, as determined as ever.

One of his key ambitions is to see Sri Lanka reclaim their crown as the world’s best fielding side.

“We were once the best fielding team in the world, and we want that glory back. With Upul Chandana as our fielding coach, supported by the rest of the staff, we’ve made significant strides. But this isn’t the finished article—we’re determined to keep improving,” Jayasuriya explained.

Jayasuriya also shed light on the decision to hire former South African Test cricketer Neil McKenzie as a Consultant Coach for two weeks, following a similar strategy during the England tour by bringing in Ian Bell.

“That move worked wonders, and we’re looking to replicate that success. Neil’s commitments mean he can only be with us briefly, but his insights have been invaluable. He’s been guiding the players on what to expect in South African conditions, from pitch behavior to optimal bowling lengths. The feedback we’ve received has been very encouraging. I’ll also be heading to South Africa to collaborate with him,” Jayasuriya revealed.

Under 19 Cricket

by Reemus Fernando 

New kids on the block Sri Sumangala College, Panadura did well to earn first innings points against Isipathana as skipper Duranka Silva top scored with 73 runs for them to post 219 runs in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket tournament match at Bandaragama on Thursday.

Silva’s entertaining knock which came in 77 balls included seven fours and three sixes.

His opposite number Lesandu Kalpage was the top scorer for Isipathana making 62 in 99 balls.

For Sri Sumangala, spinner Rusith Jayawardana picked up five wickets.

Sri Sumangala are in the Division I tournament after being promoted to the top Division by virtue of their impressive feats last season.

Scores:

Isipatana 209 all out in 58.5 overs (Navindu Hettiarachchige 35, Lesandu Kalpage 62, Dimuthu Tharaka 40, Maleesha Sandaruwan 27; Rusith Jayawardana 5/47, Mevindu Kumarasiri 2/51) and 34 for no loss in 8 overs 

Sri Sumangala 219 all out in 75.2 overs (Duranka Silva 73, Neksha Iddamalgoda 29, Sadika Damyuru 36; Menula Sadev 2/42, Thithira Sansiri 2/36, Dasith Senal 5/50)

Rehan Gunawardhana will meet Ashlin de Silva in the final of the ATF Under 16 Week two tournament after they won their respective semi-finals at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts. Rehan Gunawardhana beat Mayooran Kuberan (Sri Lanka) 6-2, 7-5 to secure his final berth.

The Carey College player beat Ashwin Kahilan (Hong Kong) 6-3, 6-4 in the third round before eliminating Risith Somarathne (Sri Lanka) 6-0, 6-1 in the quarter-final.

In the semi-final, Ashlin de Silva beat Ashwin Klidason (Sri Lanka) 6-4, 6-3.

The St. Peter’s College Bambalapitiya player eliminated Daoud Shaheen (Maldives) 6-4 7-5 in the third round and Brishmon Balarathnaraja (Sri Lanka) 6-4, 6-0 in the quarter-final to reach the semis.

The tournament which commenced on November 18 will culminate on November 23. (RF)

Rehan Gunawardhana