With Kandy gearing up to host the inaugural T10 Super League next month, there’s a palpable buzz in the air about the shortest and snappiest format of the game. Meanwhile, in the heart of the desert, the Abu Dhabi T10 is in full swing, and a pack of Sri Lankans are making waves.
Leading the charge is Thisara Perera, captain of the Chennai Brave Jaguars, as the tournament has expanded to ten teams this year, welcoming Bolts Ajman and UP Nawabs into the fold.
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If Sri Lankan fans are hunting for a side to rally behind, the Chennai Brave Jaguars are the obvious pick—fielding no fewer than six Sri Lankan players.
Apart from skipper Thisara, the lineup includes Akila Dananjaya, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwan Thushara, Mohammad Shamaz and Garuka Sanketh. Thisara’s team is a melting pot of experience and youthful vigour, with 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Shamaz and 19-year-old speedster Sanketh, who made headlines during the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
Several Sri Lankans have grabbed the limelight with dazzling performances that have set tongues wagging.
Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka has been a cut above the rest. Batting at number three for the Bangla Tigers, he smashed an unbeaten 62 off just 27 deliveries, peppering the boundary with four fours and six towering sixes—a knock that had fireworks written all over it.
On Saturday, Binura Fernando turned up the heat for UP Nawabs with a scorching opening spell against Samp Army, claiming two wickets for just nine runs. Meanwhile, Maheesh Theekshana has been the go-to man for Nicholas Pooran as the Deccan Gladiators have remained unbeaten, thanks in no small part to his shrewd bowling.
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At 36, Isuru Udana may be a veteran, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Representing Samp Army, he’s been mixing up his deliveries with the precision of a seasoned craftsman, proving to be a miser with the ball despite limited wickets to his name.
Over at the New York Strikers, Kusal Perera and Matheesha Pathirana are a dynamic duo, playing pivotal roles for their side. Shevon Daniel, opening for Ajman Bolts alongside Alex Hales, provided a spark with a quickfire 22 off 10 balls, though his team fizzled out after his dismissal.
Ajman Bolts also feature Dunith Wellalage and Shehan Jayasuriya, though neither was called upon to bowl in their clash against Team Abu Dhabi.
Elsewhere, Sri Lanka’s white-ball skipper Charith Asalanka has been making his mark, joined by Muditha Lakshan, Malsha Tharupathi, Duminda Sewmina, and Ravindu Ratnayake, who have all added depth to the tournament.
First introduced in 2017, T10 cricket is the flashiest version of the sport, with games wrapping up in just 90 minutes. This rapid-fire format is all about adrenaline-pumping action, featuring explosive batting, creative bowling, and razor-sharp fielding. It’s a formula tailor-made for younger audiences and fans short on time, taking cricket to fresh pastures and non-traditional markets.
Scores in Abu Dhabi often soar past 120 runs in 10 overs, turning every match into a nail-biter. While T10 cricket might not offer the strategic depth of longer formats, it’s carved a niche for itself as cricket’s most electrifying version—a game-changer that’s redefining boundaries while staying true to the sport’s essence.
For Sri Lankan players, the Abu Dhabi T10 is proving to be a golden opportunity to shine on a global stage. With Kandy set to host its own T10 spectacle, this is just the tip of the iceberg for Sri Lanka in the world of T10 cricket.
With the IPL auction around the corner, players are well aware that good performances will earn them spots in the world’s richest and most glamourous tournament.
