From time to time, a new player emerges in cricket, and everyone stops and says, “Who is this guy?” That’s exactly what unfolded in Abu Dhabi when Sri Lanka faced Bangladesh in their Asia Cup 2025 clash. On a difficult pitch, chasing about 120, left-handed Kamil Mishara came in and effortlessly blazed 48 runs from just 22 balls—without breaking a sweat. Now he is the name on everyone’s lips. Now, the best part is that Mishara is no flash in the pan. He has long been established in the Sri Lankan circuit, perfecting his trade and awaiting his moment to shine. Here are some things you should know about this exciting new face.
Not a New Face—Just a Forgotten One
If you thought Mishara was a fresh debutant, you’d be wrong. He actually made his T20I debut way back in February 2022 during tours of Australia and India. The problem? He didn’t click right away, managing only 15 runs across three games before being quietly dropped. What followed was a long wait—so long that two Asia Cups came and went before he was seen again in Lankan colors. Fast forward to early 2025, Mishara made a roaring comeback against Zimbabwe with scores of 73* and 46. His revival is a reminder that some careers take the scenic route before hitting the highway.
Almost a Test Cricketer Before a T20I
Here’s a quirky twist: Mishara was nearly a Test cricketer before he even wore Sri Lanka’s T20 jersey. Back in 2021, the selectors named him in the Test squad against the West Indies. He was also part of the squad that toured Bangladesh in 2022. But luck wasn’t on his side—he warmed the bench both times while Sri Lanka won those series. It’s almost ironic that a player once groomed for the red-ball grind has now found fame as a white-ball dasher. Maybe the Test dream isn’t over, but for now, his fearless batting in the shortest format is what’s turning heads.
Proving Himself in Australia’s Backyard
If you ask any Asian batter about the place, they would like to test themselves the most, it majority say “Australia.” The bouncy, hard tracks and conditions are certainly unforgiving – certainly not the place for the impostors. On the Sri Lanka A tour, he showed that toughness, making a fluent 65 in a one-day game and a gritty 81 in an unofficial Test. And those runs against Australia A were more than just runs.
Handy with the Ball Too
Like many Sri Lankan batters before him—think Sanath Jayasuriya or Tillakaratne Dilshan—Mishara can roll his arm over. He bowls off-spin and, while he hasn’t bowled yet for Sri Lanka, his domestic numbers aren’t shabby at all. In List-A cricket, he’s picked up 11 wickets at an economy under 4.2, which is gold dust in limited overs. In T20s, he’s chipped in with a few wickets too. Don’t be surprised if, in the future, Sri Lanka uses him as a part-time bowler who can break partnerships while also blasting sixes at the other end.
FAQs
- When did Kamil Mishara make his international debut?
He made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka in February 2022.
- Has Kamil Mishara played Test cricket for Sri Lanka?
No, but he was included in Test squads against West Indies and Bangladesh without making his debut.
- Can Kamil Mishara bowl as well?
Yes, he bowls part-time off-spin and has taken wickets in domestic cricket.
