Theekshana won’t be easy to read for any team – Shanaka

On Sep 8, 2021

Sri Lanka Skipper Dasun Shanaka believes Mahesh Theekshana could turn into another mystery spinner after the 21-year-old guided Sri Lanka to a comprehensive 78-run win over South Africa in the third and final One Day International (ODI) at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.

The former schoolboy of St. Benedict’s College captured four for 37, the best ever bowling performance for a Sri Lankan debutant as the home side clinched the ODI series 2-1.

“I actually brought Maheesh Theekshana into the team to play T20s. But I knew that on a track like this where it turns a lot, it’s going to be hard for South Africa to read someone like Theekshana out of hand.”

“I took that risk as a captain and the selectors and coaches supported me. And that became a big advantage for us,” Shanaka said after the match.

“It’s not easy to read him because he’s now got the googly, and the carrom ball and his off-spin as well,” the Sri Lankan Captain explained.

“Because he’s got several variations, I don’t think it’ll be easy for any team to read him. It’s not just how difficult to read him, we also know that he’s a skilful bowler,” Shanaka added. (Agencies)