Pathum Nissanka Doubtful For Pakistan T20Is - Report

Pathum Nissanka for Sri Lanka [Source: X]Sri Lanka could face a selection concern ahead of their upcoming overseas assignment, with one of their most dependable top-order batters potentially missing out on a crucial series. The development comes after a demanding run of international cricket, during which the right-handed batter, Pathum Nissanka, continued to feature despite carrying a physical concern. With Sri Lanka preparing for another important stretch of white-ball cricket, Pathum Nissanka's availability has become a major talking point as the team looks to manage its resources ahead of a busy international schedule.Pathum Nissanka's Pakistan T20I Participation In DoubtSri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka, who has been managing his injuries since August, is doubtful for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan after suffering a hamstring-related injury, according to a report from Newswire.The opener had reportedly been dealing with a slight injury during Sri Lanka's recent ODI series against England but continued to play throughout the three-match contest.However, his physical discomfort appeared to affect him during the third ODI against England on September 27, when he was dismissed for just one run off three deliveries. His brief stay at the crease raised further concerns about his fitness, particularly with Sri Lanka's Pakistan tour approaching.Nissanka's injury comes at a crucial stage for Sri Lanka, who are scheduled to depart for Pakistan on October 4. The team management will be monitoring his recovery before making a final decision regarding his participation in the three-match T20I series.Nissanka's potential absence would be a concern for Sri Lanka's top order, given his ability to provide quick starts and anchor the innings when required. With the T20Is scheduled to begin on October 9, the available recovery window is relatively short, leaving his participation uncertain.Also Read- Pathum Nissanka Knocks Australia To Brink Of T20 World Cup Exit With Stunning CenturyHow did Pathum Nissanka fare before his injury in England?Nissanka had a mixed outing during Sri Lanka's recent white-ball tour of England, although his performances in the T20I series showed glimpses of his attacking ability.In the three T20Is against England, Nissanka scored 85 runs at an impressive strike rate of 151.79, with his highest score being 37 off 21 deliveries in the second match. He also contributed 36 off 24 balls in the third T20I.Pathum Nissanka's ODI performances, however, were comparatively modest. Nissanka managed 53 runs across three innings at an average of 17.67, with scores of 27, 25 and one. His struggles in the final ODI came amid the physical concerns surrounding his hamstring.Looking at his overall 2026 campaign, Nissanka has experienced contrasting returns across different competitions. During the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, he scored 211 runs in seven innings at an average of 35.17 and a strike rate of 147.55, including an unbeaten 100. However, he managed only 51 runs in three innings against the West Indies at an average of 17.When can Nissanka possibly return for Sri Lanka?Sri Lanka's immediate priority will be assessing Pathum Nissanka's hamstring injury before the opening T20I against Pakistan on October 9 in Rawalpindi. The remaining matches of the series are scheduled for October 11 and 13, giving the batter a short window to recover if he misses the opening fixture.If Nissanka is unable to regain full fitness for the T20Is, the upcoming ODI tri-series could provide another opportunity for his return. Sri Lanka are scheduled to begin their campaign against Pakistan on October 18, followed by matches against England on October 22 and Pakistan on October 27 and 29, with the final England fixture scheduled for October 29.With the ODI tri-series following closely after the T20Is, Sri Lanka are likely to take a cautious approach rather than risk a prolonged absence for one of their key top-order batters.Also Read- South Africa's Predicted Playing XI Vs Australia, 3rd ODI, 2026