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Dubai, Sept 27, 2025 – Under the dazzling lights of the Dubai International Stadium, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka etched his name in cricketing folklore by becoming the first Sri Lankan to score a century in the T20 Asia Cup, a feat that has only been achieved previously by Virat Kohli and Babar Hayat.
His blistering 107 off 58 balls against India on Friday not only powered Sri Lanka’s chase of a daunting 203-run target but also sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. With seven fours and six towering sixes, Nissanka transformed the Super Four clash into a spectacle, balancing flamboyance with resilience.
A Rare Club: Kohli, Hayat, and Now Nissanka
In the 15-year history of the Asia Cup T20 format, centuries have been scarce. Before Nissanka’s innings, the exclusive list contained only two names:
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Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 122 against Afghanistan in 2022, ending his long drought without an international century.
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Babar Hayat’s 122 for Hong Kong against Oman in 2016, a performance that remains one of the biggest highlights in associate cricket history.
By joining this elite group, Nissanka not only raised his personal stature but also gave Sri Lanka its first T20 Asia Cup hundred – a landmark moment for the island nation.
Partnership of Steel: Nissanka and Kusal Perera
Chasing 202/5 set by India, Sri Lanka’s reply looked under pressure early. But Nissanka, alongside Kusal Perera, stitched a second-wicket stand worth more than 100 runs, laying the foundation for what could have been one of the greatest chases against India.
At the halfway mark (10 overs), Sri Lanka were 114 for 1, well ahead of the asking rate. Their fearless approach rekindled memories of Australia’s record 225-run chase against India in Guwahati (2023), a benchmark that remains the highest successful pursuit against the Men in Blue.
The Shot Heard Around Dubai – and Beyond
Perhaps the most viral moment of the night wasn’t just the century but Nissanka’s audacious six that left more than just Indian bowlers dented. In the 11th over, he launched a slower delivery from Harshal Rana straight into the sponsored car parked near the deep mid-wicket boundary.
The ball struck cleanly, leaving a visible dent on the car’s door – a rare collision between bat and branding that instantly blew up across social media platforms. Within minutes, clips of the “car strike six” were trending worldwide, making it one of the most talked-about highlights of the 2025 Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka’s T20 Legacy Gets a New Chapter
Sri Lanka has produced memorable T20 batters over the years, from Mahela Jayawardene’s elegant strokeplay to Tillakaratne Dilshan’s explosive scoops. But centuries have remained elusive. Before Nissanka, only three Sri Lankans had managed T20I hundreds:
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Jayawardene (2010)
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Dilshan (2011)
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Kusal Perera (2025)
By achieving the feat in a high-pressure continental clash against India, Nissanka’s ton may go down as one of the finest ever in Sri Lanka’s modern cricket history.
Reactions from Players and Fans
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Suryakumar Yadav, India’s stand-in captain, praised Nissanka at the post-match chat: “It was a special knock. To play that freely against a world-class bowling unit shows the quality he brings. We were tested.”
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Fans at the stadium, both Indian and Sri Lankan, erupted into applause as Nissanka raised his bat after reaching three figures with a towering six.
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Social media was abuzz with memes, tributes, and debates on whether this knock could inspire a Sri Lankan T20 resurgence.
What This Means for Asia Cup 2025
While Sri Lanka’s chase eventually faltered after Nissanka’s dismissal at 107, the innings injected drama into the Asia Cup’s final stages. It also ensured that the Super Four clash between India and Sri Lanka would be remembered not just for the result but for a moment of individual brilliance that redefined the narrative.
With the tournament heading into its closing rounds, Nissanka’s innings has set the stage for one of the most competitive finishes in recent history, reminding fans why the Asia Cup remains one of cricket’s most unpredictable and thrilling spectacles.
Conclusion
Pathum Nissanka’s maiden T20I century was more than just a personal milestone – it was a statement. A reminder that Sri Lanka, often seen as underdogs in recent years, still has the firepower to produce cricketing marvels.
Whether it was joining the ranks of Kohli and Hayat, crafting a record-breaking partnership with Kusal Perera, or denting a sponsor’s car with sheer force, Nissanka ensured that September 26, 2025, will be etched in cricket’s memory for years to come.
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