Pathum Nissanaka, who secured the title as the Player of the ODI series played between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan says that he prefers Test cricket most, and that he is willing to join the Test squad again if an opportunity is received. 

Speaking to the media on his double ton and the century against Afghanistan, and his plans for the future Nissanka said: “I prefer Test cricket most. If I get another chance, I would like to grab that opportunity with both hands”.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old revealed that his goal as a professional cricketer is to become the best batsman in the world.

“I would like to be the best batsman in the world. I will do my best for that”, Nissanka added.

Sri Lanka’s top order batter Nissanka hammered his fifth ODI century on Wednesday, playing a delightful knock against Afghanistan in the final and the third ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. His century came off just 89 deliveries with 15 boundaries – 13 fours and 2 sixes.

Thus, the 25-year-old became the fastest Sri Lankan ever to reach 2,000 ODI runs.

Nissanka also stroked the maiden double-century hit by a Sri Lankan cricketer in ODI format on Friday (Feb. 09), scoring 210 off just 139 balls and remaining on the stumps at the end of 50 overs against Afghanistan. 

Accordingly, he broke the record 189 runs scored by Sanath Jayasuriya against India in Sharjah in 2000, which remained the highest ODI score amassed by a Sri Lankan player for over 20 years.

About his double hundred

“I had a dream to score a double hundred. I didn’t think I could do it this early. Very pleasing. Great support from the team. I want to minimize my mistakes and keep improving.”

On the Series Win

“We are in a better place as a team; we did a lot of good things. There were good all-round performances, covering bowling, batting, and fielding, which helped us win the series.”

On his ODI target for 2024

“The idea is to contribute the best to my team. That’s my target.”

On conditions

“These are very good wickets that we are playing on. We didn’t get these kinds of surfaces to bat on previously. It improves the batsmen’s game, and bowlers too learn to bowl on these types of wickets.”

Game plan during the run chase of the 3rd ODI

“We just wanted to bat the first ten overs and get a good start for the team. We wanted to put the team in a good position, and we were successful.”

The most challenging Afghan bowler

“They have a decent attack. No particular bowler as such.”

Wearing Jersey Number 18

“I chose number 18 because my birthday is on May 18.”

On Wednesday (Feb. 14), Sri Lanka registered a clean-sweep 3-0 series win against Afghanistan after winning the final and the third ODI by 07 wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, several Sri Lankan players including Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilshan Madushanka, Pathum Nissanka and Sadeera Samarawickrama moved up in ICC Men’s world ODI rankings after wins against Afghanistan.