Have Sri Lanka found its wildcard for Asia Cup?

8 September 2025 08:57 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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Carries an air of elegance and unpredictability, dazzling crowds with sheer flair, Sri Lanka may have found its batting wildcard ahead of the Asia Cup gets underway on September 10.

Called in for the national team following his success in domestic tournament Kamil Mishara made most of his chances in Zimbabwe delivering Sri Lanka a series win with a cracking half-century in the final T20.

The knock setup a really important win ahead of Asia Cup especially after Sri Lanka were shot out for 80 by Zimbabwe in the second T20.

Although Sri Lanka have surprisingly produced some quality fast bowlers over the last few years strengthening their bowling, their batting has always been inconsistent.

Apart from the two openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, the other batsmen haven't been very consistent in the shortest format. In fact Sri Lanka's win percentage is only 16 when Nissanka or Mendis fall for single-digit scores.

This is why the second coming of Kamil Mishara looks ever so important given the national team will be taking part in a major tournament next week.

In the two games, he played in Zimbabwe, the former Royal College left handed showed he has got the ability to score big runs. He looked fairly comfortable batting against the fast bowlers and even better against the spinners. However, he'd be facing far better bowling attacks in the Asia Cup in slightly different conditions.

For now, no one knows what to expect from him in the Asia Cup against the likes of India and Pakistan should Sri Lanka make it that far, but he clearly proved he is Sri Lanka's best option for number 3.

Chameera Sri Lanka's spearhead again

Dushmamtha Chameera would arguably be seen as Sri Lanka's best fast bowler since Lasith Malinga, but injuries have been a massive setback in his career.

With the emergence of young fast bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Nuwan Thushara and Asitha Fernando, Chameera's career looked done and dusted after his last injury, but the lanky quick bowled himself to be the spearhead of Sri Lanka pace attack capturing eight wickets in three games in Zimbabwe.

Chameera could be a key player for Sri Lanka against the top teams given his experience in the shortest format. He was picked by IPL (Indian Premier League) teams even when he wasn't considered by the national team because on his day he is a true match winner.

Comments - 7

Mark Anandappa Monday, 08 September 2025 09:52 AM

This is the problem with SL media , one guy scores big the you guys call him the "New kid on the block" . Let him grow

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DOT Monday, 08 September 2025 11:40 AM

Still we need to find the professional cricket. Very inconsistency. You chase record total and another night the record lowest total.

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Hyginus Monday, 08 September 2025 01:23 PM

Zimbabwe beat just about and they think their world no one ha ha before it's too late change the coaching staff and the manager useless

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Ksher Monday, 08 September 2025 01:38 PM

Don’t destroy emerging players’ careers! He just scored a half century against zimbabwe ranked 12th in the world on a flat deck!

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Terrence K Monday, 08 September 2025 02:42 PM

For goodness sake this mentality of depending on one person should be avoided. Why do we need a team it is because if one fails the other batters and bowlers could start from that point onwards. It should be instilled in all team players that each one of them is responsible to stay at the crease and ensure that their part of the team work. Our talented batters and bowlers should preform under any circumstances and with this mentality it brings about a binding force and not a lack of inclusivity which helps the team to bounce back and ensure victory. As the saying goes when the going get tough the tough gets going!!!!!!

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Concerned Citizen Monday, 08 September 2025 03:53 PM

Mishara will not have a consistent career unless he dramatically improves his footwork. Avishka Gunawardena was another player with great hand-eye coordination but poor footwork. SL has had many talented players in the past with poor footwork who fail when playing on pitches where the ball is seaming.

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Man Tuesday, 09 September 2025 06:54 AM

Nonsense. In T20 or Elle, what foot work. After the recent Australian tour, he is the only player suitable to partner Pathum in Tests, if not Nuwanidu gets promoted from number 3.

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