Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 11:35 IST
In a bizarre comparison, Ramiz Raja anointed Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka as a modern-day Nelson Mandela after not reaction to a debatable decision.
Dasun Shanaka struck an unbeaten 76 but couldn’t avoid the defeat. (PTI Photo)
Dasun Shanaka almost singlehandedly secured a stunning win for Sri Lanka in their final Super 8 match of the 2026 T20 World Cup against Pakistan. The Sri Lanka T20I captain struck a blistering fifty and, with 28 needed off the final over bowled by Shaheen Afridi, hit a four followed by three consecutive sixes to rekindle his team’s fading hopes.
With six needed off the last two deliveries, Shanaka attempted a reverse scoop, going across the stumps. Afridi dragged the ball outside off, and Shanaka missed the shot. He was hoping for it to be called a wide, but since he had moved, the umpire deemed it a legal delivery.
Shanaka missed the final delivery as well, with Afridi keeping the ball outside off. The decision was debatable, with broadcasters questioning whether it should have been called a wide.
Shanaka looked crestfallen after coming so close to a miraculous win. However, he showed no dissent and shook hands with Afridi as Pakistan secured a narrow five-run victory to end their World Cup campaign.
Ramiz Raja was so impressed by Shanaka’s restraint that he described him as a modern-day Nelson Mandela.
He shared a post on his social media handles, tagging Shanaka to ensure the message reached the Sri Lankan captain.
“A huge shout out to Dasun Shanaka for not retaliating at a wide-angled last ball from Shaheen that we all upstairs in the comm box read as a wide. He had 22 at the time for a 27-run last-over target to win,” Raja wrote.
“Any other batsman would have left the crease, cribbing and protesting. Shanaka took it in stride and allowed peace to prevail. A modern-day Mandela of sportsmanship!” he added.
Sri Lanka finished their Super 8 campaign with three defeats in as many matches with their head coach Sanath Jayasuriya later announcing he’s stepping down from the role.
First Published:
March 03, 2026, 11:35 IST
News cricket Ex-PCB Chief Hails Dasun Shanaka As ‘Modern-Day Mandela’ For Not Reacting To Wide-Ball ControversyDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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