Has Sri Lanka found a wildcard for Asia Cup?

Kamil Mishara

By Harsha Amarasinghe 

Sri Lanka may have found its batting wildcard ahead of the Asia Cup that got underway yesterday.

Called in for the national team following his success in domestic tournaments, 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 the 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. 

In the two games, he played in Zimbabwe, the former Royal College left hander 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. 

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 the 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 as on his day he is a true match winner.