Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis was adjudged the man of the match in the 2nd T20 and also the man of the series. (Photo credit should read MUNIR UZ ZAMAN/AFP/Getty Images)

A major transformation for the Lankans has been a transition of their top order batsman Kusal Mendis. He was included in the side after being snubbed against India series earlier.

Sri Lanka completed a successful tour of Bangladesh with a victory in the second Twenty20 International by 75 runs. With this win, Sri Lanka also completed a clean sweep during the tour.

Sri Lanka won the One-day International tri-series which also involved Zimbabwe.

Dinesh Chandimal, Sri Lanka, T20I Series, Bangladesh
Sri Lanka defeated host Bangladesh by 75 runs to wins the T20I series. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

The Lions then went on to win the Test series 1-0 and have now won the two-match T20 series 2-0.

Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis. Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Mendis made the most of the opportunity in the Test series. He averaged 90 in scoring 271 runs in just three innings.

Usually, a number three or four batsman, Kusal Mendis opened the innings in the T20I series. Mendis made the most the opportunity as he emerged as the leading run scorer.

Kusal Mendis was adjudged the Man of the Series in the two-match competition. He scored 123 runs in two innings.

Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis. Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Mendis said that the Lankans will be more competitive with more confidence. He said, “It has been a good start to the year. We have a lot of cricket in 2018 and we are confident of doing well this year. Personally, achieving the double of scoring 1000 runs in Tests and 1000 in ODIs is something that I want to achieve this year. We have got about ten Test matches for the rest of the year and I believe I can get to that landmark. It is important to have small targets and keep working towards them.” 

 

Mendis has been unable to reach the double century mark and has been dismissed in 190’s twice in his career. He said, “It keeps happening isn’t it? It has happened twice now. Guys in the change room were disappointed that I couldn’t get there. Some were saying that I will regret it in a few years time. I felt bad about it. Maybe next time I shouldn’t try to get there with a boundary. Picking up a few singles will be a better way to get to the milestone.”  

Kusal Mendis
Sri Lanka. Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Sri Lanka have began their preparations for the Tri-series involving India and Bangladesh, “We were not too successful in India and we struggled when we played them at home as well. The good thing is that we have got our confidence back. I am sure India will be expecting us to be more competitive as well. We are hoping to give them a good contest.”

The Nidahas tri-series is scheduled to begin from sixth of March.

Read More  Virat Kohli's RCB issue an official statement after SRH breaks their 11-year old record of the highest team total in IPL history

Also Read: Mendis wants to be named among top ten batsmen in world cricket

Also Read: Asela Gunaratne, Shehan Madushanka ruled out of Nidahas Trophy 2018

Ardent Sports lover, Cricket fanatic, Manchester United fan(GGMU), Roger Federer over Rafael Nadal