Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka heaped praise on his young spinner Maheesh Theekshana after his match-winning spell against Namibia in their Group A match of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Monday (October 18).
Sri Lanka had a stunning day on the field on Monday, as the Islanders bowled Namibia out for just 96, thanks to Theekshana's 3/25 and two wickets each from Lahiru Kumara (2/9) and Wanindu Hasaranga (2/24) in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 contest in Abu Dhabi.
Later, the Islanders chased the 97-run target down with seven wickets in hand and 39 balls to spare to jump to the top of the Group A table with a net run rate of 2.607.
Following Sri Lanka’s 7-wicket win over Namibia in their Group A match, captain Shanaka lauded his team’s brilliant bowling efforts and was particularly impressed with Theekshana, saying the 21-year-old spinner has been outstanding lately and has a lot more to offer.
Shanaka said during the post-match presentation: “We were planning quite a lot. Want to get through this qualifying stage. All went well for us. He's been outstanding (Theekshana). Back home he's been training with Ajantha Mendis. Has a lot more to offer.”
He added, “They've been outstanding the last few months (pacers). It is the most important thing. Earlier they had pace but no execution. Going forward you can see good things for them. Winning all three matches will give us a good state of mind because we (will) know the conditions and everything.”
Meanwhile, Theekshana was adjudged as the Player of the Match for his efforts against Namibia.
He said: “I am really happy to represent my country. It is a huge moment for me as I'm only 21 years old. Off-break (is my stock ball). The last game I played here I was Man of the Match, it is a lucky ground for me. I love to represent my country in more games. My plan is to take it game by game.”
(With ANI Inputs)
