Comeback King Malinga

He bowled the left-handed opener Liton Das with an inswinging Yorker and ended with figures of four for 23 in his 10 overs. He then picked up the scalps of Shakib Al Hasan, Mohammad Mithun and Mosaddek Hossain.

The injury-prone 35-year-old had been largely ignored since his last ODI appearance in September last year against India when he took just one wicket for 35 runs. However, official sources said he had impressed selectors during an ongoing domestic T20 series and has now been included in the one-day squad for the Asia Cup tournament opener in the United Arab Emirates.

Malinga has taken 301 ODI wickets giving away 8,705 runs since his ODI debut in July 2004. In the shortest form of the game, he has taken 90 wickets conceding 1,780 runs.

Now, though, with Malinga returning to the squad around the time most teams are trying to get their ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 plans in place, it would seem that the veteran might be in the fray for one last splash at the marquee event – his fourth, if he makes it – and get a chance to add to his 43 wickets in 22 games, at a stunning average of 21.11.

“I believe that Malinga fits into our equation for this tournament (Asia Cup),” said Chandika Hathurusingha, the Sri Lanka coach.

“He is one of the best death bowlers in the world. In the last few matches, he has performed well and his fitness is up to the mark.”

Earlier this year, Malinga’s international career looks in jeopardy after Sri Lanka Cricket issued the fast bowler an ultimatum to return home from India to play domestic cricket if he intended to be recalled to the national side. Malinga was overlooked for the tours of UAE, India, Bangladesh and the Nidahas Trophy at home.

Mumbai Indians ended its decade-long tenure with Malinga when he was not retained by the Indian Premier League franchise ahead of the 2018 season. He was unsold at the IPL auction and then opted for a stint as a bowling mentor for the franchise.