Dilrook Kannangara

At long last Team Sri Lanka managed to win a short version of cricket in a stunning display of aggression amidst glorious uncertainties of cricket. Excellent start by the openers was quickly lost down the batting order until Wanindu Hasaranga steadied the ship. He joins the team as a bowler but his batting skills were long highlighted by yours truly almost a year ago at a time when not very many knew him as international cricketing material. This is not the first time he proved his worth and certainly won’t be his last.

He should have been exposed to World Cup matches last year as I recommended in the above article. However, it was not done. Had he got a chance, Team Sri Lanka’s performance would have been better. More importantly it would have given the then 21 year old great experience which would serve handy for the team in years to come. He was only confined to the reserve list. Team selection is strange to say the least!

He should be played in as many matches as possible in the shorter versions of the game. At his current age of 22 he has a long way ahead. All support should be provided to enhance his performance. Although he failed to take a wicket, he had the best economic run rate in his bowling. His batting was not rash but well controlled. Knowing little support was forthcoming from the other end to boost the run rate, he rose to the occasion selectively.

Do well Hasaranga!