Kusal Mendis beginning to realise his potential

Pockets Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards

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SINCE scoring that sublime century (176) at the age of 21 at this very same venue Pallekele against Steve Smith's Australians nine years ago, Kusal Mendis of whom a lot was expected has failed to fulfil his extraordinary batting talents being more of a blow hot blow cold type of cricketer lacking the consistency to scale the great heights.

Now at 30 he is really beginning to realise his potential and has started to make worthy contributions towards his team's success. Mendis' knock of 124 off 114 balls in the third ODI at Pallekele enabled Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh by 99 runs and with it pocket the three-match series 2-1.

His century came on the back of a rapid 20-ball half-century which he scored in the second ODI before throwing away his wicket that led to Sri Lanka's 16-run defeat.