Rajapaksa and Dasun light up Abu Dhabi T10

Rex Clementine in Abu Dhabi

Just 24 hours after wrapping up a bilateral series against New Zealand, several Sri Lankan cricketers landed in Abu Dhabi to showcase their firepower in the T10 League. As the two-week tournament unfolds, hard-hitting stars Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka have delivered standout performances in the opening days, proving why they are among the most exciting players in this format.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa, turning out for the Chennai Braves, set the stage ablaze with a whirlwind 41 off just 21 balls, studded with five fours and two towering sixes. Once again, Rajapaksa underscored his reputation as a game-changer in the shortest format.

The Chennai Braves boast a strong Sri Lankan contingent, with six players donning their colours. The team is led by veteran Thisara Perera and features Akila Dananjaya, Nuwan Thushara, Mohammad Shamaz, and Garuka Sanketh, alongside Rajapaksa.

Among the newcomers, Mohammad Shamaz, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from Zahira College, Colombo, has shown promise, while 19-year-old speedster Garuka Sanketh, a key player in Sri Lanka’s ICC Under-19 World Cup campaign earlier this year, is making strides in the big league.

Chaminda Vaas is the Head Coach of Chennai Braves.

Meanwhile, Shevon Daniel, opening for the Ajman Bolts alongside Alex Hales, brought fireworks with a blazing 22 off just 10 balls before his team faltered after his dismissal.

The Ajman Bolts also feature Dunith Wellalage and Shehan Jayasuriya, though neither was called upon to bowl in their recent clash against Team Abu Dhabi.

Elsewhere, the Samp Army has tapped into Sri Lanka’s white-ball cricketing talent by roping in skipper Charith Asalanka. Supporting him are Muditha Lakshan, Malsha Tharupathi, Duminda Sewmina, and Ravindu Ratnayake, adding significant depth to the squad.

Dasun Shanaka, donning the Bangla Tigers jersey, has turned heads with a new role at number three. In their match against Samp Army, Shanaka hammered an unbeaten 62 off just 27 balls, peppering the boundary with four fours and six sixes in a stunning display of power hitting.

Over at the New York Strikers, Kusal Perera and Matheesha Pathirana have emerged as a formidable duo.

Pathirana has been a marquee attraction in the league. Speaking about the upcoming T10 league set to debut in Kandy next month, Pathirana expressed his excitement.

“We’re launching our very own T10 league in Kandy, and I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be an exciting competition, and fans will love it,” Pathirana shared.

“This is the first league tournament I played in, and I’m thrilled to return. These tournaments offer invaluable international exposure, letting us compete against top-tier players and adapt to varied conditions.”As the Abu Dhabi T10 League progresses, the Sri Lankan contingent continues to impress, blending youth with experience and setting the stage for more thrilling performances ahead.