Dasun Shanaka turned up for two teams in two countries to play formats on Sunday! (File)
Two formats, two incredible knocks, two countries – all in one day. Former Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka produced a stunning cross-border cricketing tour on Sunday as he shuttled between his hometown in Colombo and Dubai to produce two sensational performances in a matter of hours.
Turning up for a third day in Sri Lanka’s domestic First-Class Major League tournament, Shanaka helped the Sinhalese Sports Club avoid defeat and relegation in the two-division league with a blistering hundred batting at No. 7. Resuming the final day’s play on Sunday morning, Shanaka went from 39 not out to 123 off 87 deliveries with 10 fours and eight sixes. His effort dragged SSC from 77 for five to 275 all out in response to the Moors Sports Club’s first-innings 412/9 decl.
Shanaka connects and tonks it deep into the stands 🫡 #DPWorldILT20 #ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DCvADKR pic.twitter.com/Dy4ITc1maJ
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) February 2, 2025
After the match ended in a draw in the afternoon, Shanaka then sped straight to the airport to take a flight out to Dubai. The 33-year-old all-rounder rushed straight to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium from the airport, sporting the Dubai Capitals jersey for their ILT20 match against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
After David Warner’s rollicking 93 not out set up the innings, Shanaka provided a brilliant finish to the innings as he smote 34 off 12 deliveries, laced with four fours and two sixes. The Capitals eventually eked out a 26-run win, capping off a rather unusual day out on the field(s) for Shanaka.
Shanaka had earlier turned up for the SSC on January 30 after having played a game for the Capitals in Dubai on January 28. Shanaka last represented Sri Lanka at home against India mid-2024 and has since not found a spot in any format for the national side.
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