Former Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka was a busy man on February 2. He was at his attacking best in red-ball cricket and white-ball cricket on the same day. He saved Sinhalese Sports Club from relegation in Major League Tournament and then took the flight to Dubai to contribute with a 12-ball 34 cameo and help Dubai Capitals progress to ILT20 2025 qualifiers.
On Day 3 of the First-Class Major League tournament clash against Moors Sports Club in Colombo, Shanaka walked in to bat with an overnight score of 39. Batting at no.7, Shanaka went berserk and whacked 8 sixes, 10 fours in his 87-ball 123. With the help from skipper Charith Asalanka’s 66-run knock, he took Sinhalese Sports Club from 77/5 to 255/6 before departing. Sinhalese Sports Club was bowled out for 275 in reply to Moors Sports Club’s 412/9.
Shanaka did not bowl in the second innings and left for Dubai. Meanwhile, Moors Sports Club posted 171/6 and set a target of 309. Sinhalese Sports Club scored 105/1 and the match ended in a draw helping them avoid relegation.
Shanaka becomes Dubai’s showstopper
In the clash against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Shanaka walked in to bat at no.5 in the 18th over. From the last 14 balls, he faced 12. He got off the mark with a six off the first ball he faced from Ibrar Ahmad. In the penultiamte over, he hit Ali Khan for two fours. In the final over, he dominated Jason Holder and hit two fours and a six. Holder got a consolation prize as Shanaka was caught at sweeper cover off the last ball of the innings. His 12-ball 34 cameo took Dubai Capitals to 217/4.
Dubai into playoffs
Dubai Capitals ended up winning the match by 26 runs. They have qualified for the playoffs with five wins from nine games. Shanaka will be seen in action again when Dubai Capitals take on table-toppers Desert Vipers in the dead rubber clash on February 3 in Sharjah.
