International League T20 in UAE Nissanka announces his arrival by smashing 81 off 42 balls

Saturday, 6 December 2025 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pathum Nissanka maintains the tempo in the chase for Gulf Giants

Sri Lanka’s most consistent opener Pathum Nissanka marked his debut in the International League T20 for Gulf Giants with a masterclass knock of 81 off 42 balls inclusive of 6 fours and 4 sixes against MI Emirates at Dubai on Thursday.

Nissanka controlled the run chase of 164 from the beginning, punishing the loose deliveries with sweet timing to enable Giants to start their campaign on a winning note by 6 wickets with 32 balls to spare. Nissanka was dismissed with Giants seven runs short of their target but he had already done his part to put the team on a winning path.

Another Sri Lankan playing alongside Nissanka for Giants, fast bowler Nuwan Thushara took 2/41 to restrict MI Emirates to 163-6.