CLT20 Qualifier 3: Otago Volts vs Kandurata Maroons - Five players to watch out for

Thilina Kandamby (Batsman, Kandurata Maroons)

FILE PHOTO: Thilina Kandamby during the first One Day International match between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval Cricket Ground in London, on June 28, 2011.

The portly left-hander reminds one of former SL skipper Arjuna Ranatunga in more ways than one. Kandamby hasn’t exactly lived up to his early potential, having made his international debut for Sri Lanka way back in 2004. He has often been criticized for his slow scoring, but seems to have re-invented his batting style in the shortest format.

Post the 2011 World Cup, after Lankan cricket was in turmoil, Kandamby returned to the one-day side as vice-captain and even led the T20 squad against England after Tillakaratne Dilshan was ruled out due to injury. He has been a thorn in the side for the Indian team at times, defiantly holding up one end.

For the sake of stability, Kandamby will be a good choice lower down the order, especially if Thirimanne and Sangakkara are dismissed early. It remains to be seen how he can cope with the conditions on offer.