SL vs NZ | Twitter in awe as Pathum Nissanka’s eagle-eyed precision stuns with a jaw-dropping catch

Debayan Sinha

ByDebayan Sinha, SportsCafe Editor

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When batting contributions are minimal, stepping up in the field becomes crucial. Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka did the same in the second ODI against New Zealand at Pallekele when he grabbed a spectacular running catch and dismissed Mitchell Santner leaving the Kiwi side in deep trouble.

‌A rain-affected condition at Pallekele saw Sri Lanka starting well with the ball after winning the toss. Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka’s decision to bowl first paid off as Sri Lanka reduced New Zealand to 31/2 early on. Rain interruptions caused delays, eventually reducing the game to 47 overs, with Mark Chapman anchoring the innings and reaching a half-century. The visitors gained some momentum with Chapman and Mitch Hay’s 42-run partnership, but Asitha Fernando broke through, dismissing Chapman for 76 and Michael Bracewell in the same over. Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to dominate, with Jeffrey Vandersay claiming two wickets in the 41st over, keeping New Zealand in check. One of the main highlights was Mitchell Santner’s wicket in the same over where Pathum Nissanka took a brilliant catch. 

On the first ball of the 41st over, Vandersay bowled a good-length delivery around the off stump to Santner, who attempted to hit it for a maximum but mistimed his shot. The ball soared high into the night sky, and Nissanka sprinted in from long-off, keeping his eyes fixed on it. He made a diving effort, securing a brilliant two-handed catch. Though the umpires reviewed it, the third umpire confirmed the dismissal, and Nissanka was celebrated by his teammates and praised on social media for his athleticism and effort.

What a catch

Superb

Really?

Stable

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Great catch

Fantastic

Claps

Brilliant

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