Sri Lankan Opener Pathum Nissanka joins Kandy Falcons for LPL 2022
Even as Sri Lanka battles a lot of strife as a nation, things are still happening on the cricket front in the Island country. The third edition of the Lanka Premier League is slated to take place on the 31st of July in the Emerald Isle.
Meanwhile, Kandy Falcons have added another star Sri Lankan cricketer to their ranks. The franchise have roped in opening batter Pathum Nissanka for the upcoming season, commencing on 31st July. The right-handed batter will team up with compatriots Wanindu Hasaranga and Chamika Karunaratne in the Falcons squad.
The top-order batter is ranked 8th in ICC’s Men’s T20I batting rankings- the highest among all Sri Lankan batters currently. One of the many talented Sri Lankan players, Nissanka is an exciting prospect who impressed one and all with a glorious match-winning maiden century in the recently concluded ODI series against Australia.
The 24-year-old joins the franchise ahead of the third edition of the LPL and will be sharing the spotlight with several other youngsters like Kamindhu Mendis, Dewald Brewis, and Matheesha Pathirana.
The squad has got a perfect amalgamation of youth and experience with the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga and Carlos Brathwaite at the helm. Kandy Falcons’ owner welcomed the opener to the team and stated that he will be an asset in the upcoming tournament.
“Pathum’s inclusion will not only strengthen our batting but his recent experience playing in the Sri Lanka T20 team will be a huge asset to the team. I am sure the fans will be happy to see him in action for Kandy Falcons in the LPL,” Kandy franchisee owner Parvez Khan said to Newswire.
Pathum Nissanka Tests Covid19 Positive
Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka was ruled out of the second Test against Australia ahead of Monday’s fourth day in Galle after testing positive for Covid-19. Opening batter, Nissanka is the sixth player from the Sri Lanka squad to test positive during the past two weeks, which adds to Sri Lanka’s long list of players affected by the coronavirus.
“He was found to be positive during an Antigen test conducted on the player yesterday morning, following the player complaining of feeling unwell,” a Sri Lanka Cricket statement said.
“Nissanka was immediately isolated in a different hotel upon identification and will undergo Covid-19 protocols.”
Oshada Fernando will replace Nissanka in the team when play begins on Monday with Sri Lanka resuming their first innings on 431-6, a lead of 67.
