Dilshan Madushanka, Sri Lanka's fast bowler, will conclude his World Cup journey on Thursday as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, marking the latest chapter in a remarkable career that began with borrowed shoes.
Hailing from a humble background as the son of a fisherman, Madushanka enters the crucial match against New Zealand with an impressive tally of 21 wickets, surpassing the renowned fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Among his prized scalps are the dismissals of cricket luminaries such as India's Virat Kohli and the Australian duo David Warner and Steve Smith.
Unfortunately, Madushanka received limited support from his fellow bowlers during the tournament, with Kasun Rajitha being the next highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka with just eight wickets.
Expressing his disappointment, Sri Lanka's assistant coach, Naveed Nawaz, lamented, "We would have liked to have somebody to support and back up Dilshan, who's had a brilliant tournament."
Madushanka's journey to the top has been nothing short of a fairy tale. Early in his cricketing career, he had to withdraw from the sport due to financial constraints, as he and his school could not afford cricket gear, including pads and balls.
He then turned to more affordable soft-ball cricket, where he was discovered by a district coach who helped him become a net bowler for the India and Sri Lanka Under-19 teams. During those sessions, Madushanka had to make do with borrowed shoes, which often caused discomfort.
Nevertheless, his talent shone through, earning him a call from former Sri Lankan left-arm fast bowler Chaminda Vaas, who is now part of the squad's coaching staff. Vaas confidently predicted that Madushanka could become one of Sri Lanka's greatest fast bowlers if he continued to work on his skills.
Madushanka made his international Twenty20 debut in the Asia Cup in Dubai last year, playing a vital role in the team's title victory. He subsequently made his ODI debut in India earlier this year, and injuries to Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga elevated him to the forefront of the Sri Lankan bowling attack in the World Cup.
With an impressive record of 31 wickets in 14 ODIs and an average of just over 22, Madushanka has already made a significant impact. He also achieved his maiden five-wicket haul in the ongoing World Cup, although that match ended in embarrassment for Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for just 55 in a 302-run defeat against India.
Despite their struggles in the tournament, the 1996 World Cup champions have managed two wins from eight games, against the Netherlands and England. They will conclude their group stage campaign against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Thursday, with New Zealand still in contention for a semi-final spot.
