Kamil Mishara produced a calm yet commanding performance as Sri Lanka began their Asia Cup campaign with a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh in Abu Dhabi yesterday. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 46 off 32 deliveries, guiding his side home with assurance, and was involved in a crucial 95-run stand for the second wicket with Pathum Nissanka.

Reflecting on his innings, Mishara revealed the simple yet vital advice he received when he joined his senior partner at the crease. “When I walked into bat, Pathum told me to adjust to the wicket. He wanted me to take the time and bat deep,” he said. That measured approach soon blossomed into confidence, as three crisp boundaries in a single over gave him the momentum to dictate terms. “With that I had the rhythm and wanted to finish the game off,” he added.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed a promising month, having been named Player of the Match in the final T20 against Zimbabwe earlier. That series, Mishara says, was pivotal in shaping his role in the side. “I had got selected for the Zimbabwe tour and opportunity was there and I could adjust to the team’s requirements. My responsibility is to take the game deep. I learned a lot in the last couple of games,” he explained.

Conditions in Abu Dhabi were tricky early on, but Mishara trusted his reading of the pitch. “It was seaming a bit early and once the new ball lost its shine it became really good for batting,” he noted.

His influence wasn’t limited to batting. A sharp direct hit in the field provided a timely breakthrough, something he put down to hard work. “All I wanted was to do was stop the third run. Never thought that it will be a direct hit. But I know when you put in the hard yards these things can happen. Our preparation is all about repetition when it comes to fielding. That helps us to come up with stuff like this,” Mishara said.

For him, the triumph carried deep significance. “Winning a match for your country is always special and I feel very good at the moment,” he said with pride. With Sri Lanka’s coaching staff encouraging players to back their instincts, Mishara is determined to convert starts into match-winning finishes. “The coaches had told me to finish a game if I get a start. That’s what I wanted to do. I would like to finish many games for my country if I get a start.”