CharithAsalanka set the stage on fire with a sensational 41-ball 68 against West Indies in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
WC heroicsIt was Asalanka's knock which helped Sri Lanka to a total of 189 in the T20 World Cup where we did not see a lot of 150 plus totals, owing to the difficult batting conditions of the UAE.
Asalanka had been bubbling under the surface for a long time and this knock was always coming sooner rather than later.CharithAsalanka was included in the playing 11 for the home series against India as well and made some valuable contributions. It was his timing and aggressive approach which stood out.
"Before this World Cup, I hadn't played much T20 cricket," Asalanka said. "But, I've just been asking senior players questions and I just want to keep getting better and better day by day. It feels great. Always glad to have a half-century and a match-winning knock for my country. I was waiting for five years and did a lot of hard work to come into the national side. It has paid off and I just want to work hard till my career ends and want to win more matches for my country."
Kudos from captain Asalanka's brilliant performances in the 2021 T20 World Cup also brought him high praise from captain DasunShanaka.
"I knew they had potential a long time back," Shanaka said. "They have worked damn hard for this and I think they've got a long career ahead of themselves and a lot of good cricket to come. I feel they have a special place in every team. I think the team is going in the right direction at the moment and fans have been following us for a long time. They wanted victory, but they supported us throughout whether we lose or win."Not only the captain, CharithAsalanka has left Sri Lankan coach Mickey Arthur impressed as well.
This is one of the reasons which got him his selection in the Sri Lankan Test side as well. With the talent that the batter posesses and the amount of hard work that he has put into his game over the years, it won't be a surprise if he becomes a part of the team across all three formats.
