In the first match of the series, in which Sri Lanka lost dreadfully against 11th ranked Zimbabwe, Spinner Akila Dhananjaya was the only standout performer amongst all bowlers. In a match, where Zimbabwe easily chased down 322, Akila troubled all the batsmen with his variations.
Even though, it’s also an mystery why they dropped Akila after the first match, Sri Lanka dearly need him for the tomorrow’s match. Though, their first choice spinner Lakshan Sandakan was man of the match in the second match, it’s quite evident he lacks the control to be successful in the shorter formats. He has all the indigrents to be a great bowler in test cricket, he needs a little while to succeed in the shorter formats as well.
Akila, on the other hand, looks a complete package, especially in his second coming. All though, he could take only one wicket in the first match, his variations were eye-catching, and cause of all sorts of problems.
More precisely, if Akila couldn’t get more wickets in that match, the blame must go to captain Angelo Matthews mindset, who largely placed defensive filelding for such an attacking and wicket taking bowler.
As, it’s do or die for Sri Lanka team in the last match of the series, they need Akila Dhananjaya big time, along with emerging star Wanidu Hasaranga.
