In a highly anticipated debut, fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz made his first appearance for Sri Lanka in the opening ODI of the three-match series against India. The 29-year-old has been included in the national squad as a cover for injured pacer Mathisha Pathirana, who was sidelined following an injury sustained during the recent T20I series versus India.
Mohamed Shiraz: The rising Sri Lankan star
Shiraz’s selection comes on the back of an impressive domestic career, where he has consistently delivered strong performances. In List A cricket, Shiraz has taken 80 wickets in 47 matches at an outstanding average of 17.52. His first-class cricket record is equally commendable, with 125 wickets in 49 matches, an economy rate of 3.65, and an average of 31. Additionally, he has also proven his prowess in the shorter format, securing 23 wickets in 23 T20 games in Sri Lankan domestic competitions.
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Shiraz’s standout performance
One of Shiraz’s standout performances came during the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament on July 30, where he delivered a remarkable spell, taking six wickets for just 21 runs in seven overs. This performance underscored his potential and played a significant role in his selection for the national team.
As Shiraz took the field for his debut, fans and analysts were eager to see how he would fare against a strong Indian batting lineup. His inclusion in the squad is seen as a strategic move to bolster Sri Lanka’s pace attack, particularly in the absence of Pathirana. The young bowler’s journey from domestic cricket to the international stage has been marked by hard work and determination, and his debut marks a significant milestone in his career.
Sri Lankan cricket supporters will be hopeful that Shiraz brings his domestic success to the international arena and help strengthen the team’s bowling unit. As the ODI series unfolds, all eyes will be on Shiraz to see how he handles the challenges of international cricket and contributes to his team’s performance.
