Dasun Shanaka Strikes Back: How His All-Round Brilliance Stunned Bangladesh
In the heart of Colombo, under the floodlights of the R. Premadasa Stadium, Dasun Shanaka delivered a performance that reminded Sri Lankan cricket fans why he was once their T20 captain. On July 10, 2025, during the second T20I against Bangladesh, Shanaka’s all-round heroics orchestrated a stunning victory for Sri Lanka, turning the tide in a match that seemed to be slipping away. His return to the national side after a year in the wilderness was nothing short of spectacular, blending disciplined bowling, explosive batting, and a calm presence that galvanized his team.
A Year Away, A Star Reborn
Shanaka’s journey back to the T20 squad was not without its challenges. Dropped from the national team after a string of inconsistent performances, the former captain spent the last year honing his skills in franchise leagues, most notably the International League T20 (ILT20). His time away allowed him to refine his craft, particularly his ability to bowl cunning slower balls and cutters that have become his trademark. When Sri Lanka announced his recall for the Bangladesh series, fans were cautiously optimistic, but few could have predicted the impact he would have.
The first T20I had seen Sri Lanka struggle, with Bangladesh’s aggressive batting overpowering their bowling attack. Shanaka, however, was the standout, bowling tightly and showing glimpses of his potential. It was in the second match that he truly seized the moment, proving his worth as a game-changer.
The Bowling Masterclass
With Bangladesh’s openers, Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar, setting a brisk pace in the powerplay, Sri Lanka needed a breakthrough. Enter Dasun Shanaka. From his very first over, he disrupted the rhythm of the Bangladeshi batsmen. His clever variations—mixing slower balls with well-disguised cutters—left the opposition struggling to time their shots. Finishing with figures of 4 overs, 1 wicket for 22 runs, Shanaka’s economy rate was the best among Sri Lanka’s bowlers, a testament to his ability to control the game when it mattered most.
His wicket of Liton Das was the turning point. Das, who was looking dangerous, misjudged a slower delivery and skied it to mid-off, handing Sri Lanka a crucial breakthrough. Shanaka’s disciplined bowling not only stemmed the run flow but also set the stage for Sri Lanka’s spinners to exploit the pressure he had created. His ability to bowl in the toughest phases of the game—powerplay and middle overs—showed why he remains an invaluable asset in T20 cricket.
Explosive Batting Turns the Tide
If his bowling was disciplined, Shanaka’s batting was pure fireworks. Chasing a competitive 164, Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble at 78 for 5 in the 12th over. The middle order had crumbled, and the required run rate was creeping up. Shanaka walked in with a point to prove, and he did so with characteristic flair.
Partnering with Dimuth Karunaratne, who played the anchor role, Shanaka unleashed a barrage of boundaries. His aggressive intent was evident as he took on Bangladesh’s premier pacer, Taskin Ahmed, smashing him for two sixes in the 15th over. His ability to pick lengths early and target the short boundaries at Premadasa was a masterclass in T20 batting. A standout moment was his lofted cover drive off Mustafizur Rahman—a shot that combined timing, placement, and audacity.
Shanaka’s 42 off 26 balls, including three sixes and two fours, swung the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor. His partnership with Karunaratne yielded 62 runs in just 5.3 overs, breathing life into a chase that had seemed doomed. Even as he fell attempting to accelerate further, his knock had brought Sri Lanka within striking distance, allowing the lower order to finish the job with three balls to spare.
The All-Rounder’s Impact
What makes Shanaka’s performance so remarkable is his ability to influence the game in multiple facets. His bowling set the tone, his batting turned the match, and his composure under pressure inspired his teammates. At 33, Shanaka is no longer the young prodigy he once was, but his experience and versatility make him a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s T20 setup, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
His performance also silenced critics who questioned his recall. After losing the captaincy in 2024 and spending time on the sidelines, Shanaka could have faded into obscurity. Instead, he used his time away to reinvent himself, returning as a smarter, more mature cricketer. His stint in the ILT20, where he was among the top all-rounders, gave him the confidence to perform on the international stage.
A Boost for Sri Lanka’s T20 Campaign
Shanaka’s heroics come at a crucial time for Sri Lanka. With the T20 World Cup approaching, the team is desperate for players who can deliver under pressure. While stars like Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Mendis often grab the headlines, Shanaka’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him indispensable. His performance against Bangladesh has not only secured a series-levelling win but also sent a message to opponents: Sri Lanka has a match-winner in their ranks.
The victory also highlighted Sri Lanka’s depth. With Karunaratne’s steady hand complementing Shanaka’s aggression, and young bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana stepping up, the team is beginning to find the right balance. Shanaka’s leadership, even without the captain’s armband, was evident in how he rallied the side during tense moments, offering advice to bowlers and calming nerves in the chase.
Looking Ahead
As Sri Lanka prepares for the final T20I and beyond, Shanaka’s form will be a key factor. His ability to adapt to different roles—whether anchoring the innings, finishing with a flourish, or bowling crucial overs—gives the team flexibility. For a side that has often relied on individual brilliance, Shanaka’s all-round contribution could be the glue that holds them together in high-stakes tournaments.
For now, the Colombo crowd will savor the memory of a night when Dasun Shanaka struck back, reminding everyone of his class, grit, and ability to stun even the most formidable opponents. Bangladesh, reeling from the defeat, will need to regroup quickly, but for Sri Lanka, this was a statement: their former captain is back, and he’s ready to lead the charge.
Last Updated on: Friday, July 11, 2025 2:39 pm by Charan Sai Reddy | Published by: Charan Sai Reddy on Friday, July 11, 2025 2:39 pm | News Categories: Sports
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