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29 March 2024

Sri Lanka to unleash new spin missile Akila

Sri Lankan cricketers Tillakaratne Dilshan (2L) and teammates play warm up games during a practice session at the Suriyawewa Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium in the southern district of Hambantota on September 21, 2012 (AFP)

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By Staff with Agencies

Sri Lanka is likely to unleash their new spin missile Akila Dhananjaya in the 'dead' World Cup Twenty20 rubber against South Africa at Hambantota on Saturday.

The 18-year old spinner was fast tracked into the Sri Lanka squad after impressing skipper Mahela Jayawardena during the Sri Lanka Premier League.

Akila must have been licking his fingers as Ajantha Mendis devoured Zimbabwe on Tuesday to capture a world record 6 for 8 in the opener.

Injury-prone Mendis left the field after his epoch-making effort complaining of a side strain and is a doubtful starter for the second league game.

"Mendis' injury is our only worry ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday) game against South Africa," Sri Lanka team manager Charith Senanayake said.

"We are monitoring Mendis' progress and will take a call on him before the match."

Sri Lanka also have leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis, who took three wickets bowling in tandem with Ajantha against Zimbabwe, left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and uncapped spinner Akila Dananjaya in their squad.

Having already qualified for the Super Eights stage along with South Africa from Group C, it provides a perfect opportunity for Sri Lanka to unveil their rookie spinner.

Dhananjaya, who bowls four different kinds of deliveries, was trying out his repertoire at the centre of Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium, while others were practicing at the nets, according to a report in the dailymirror.lk.

Dashing opener Tillakaratne Dilshan was hit on the chest by a delivery from Shaminda Eranga at the nets but came out for yet another batting session, it added.

The two strips at Sooryaweva grounds were totally brownish on Friday afternoon to the delight of Jayawardena.

"I just had a look at the wicket and it looks good," Jayawardene said.
 
"We’re playing on the same wicket that we played the other day (against Zimbabwe)," Jayawardena added.
 
The battle for top spot in Group C adds to the intensity of the clash, tickets for which have been sold out as the hosts gradually warm up for the Twenty20 extravaganza.

South Africa captain AB de Villiers said even if Mendis played on Saturday, his team would not allow him to dictate terms.

 "A guy like Ajantha Mendis is a world class bowler and when he's going well he will always pick up wickets," de Villiers said.

 "But we've seen him perform under pressure and seen him break down under pressure as well so, hopefully, we can get the upper hand against him and not let him bowl to us."

 Both teams have already qualified for the Super Eight stage from Group C but would look to maintain momentum with a victory on Saturday.

 South Africa, who thrashed Zimbabwe on Thursday by 10 wickets in their opening match, might make some changes to test their bench strength.

 "We may give one or two of the other guys a run, but once again, we want to win the game, beat the home team in their conditions and pick up the momentum," de Villiers said.

 Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene also ruled out a dead rubber.

 "We need to win and get momentum going," Jayawardene said. "Probably their lower middle order is a little inexperienced. What we need to do is focus on our strengths."