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Sri Lanka’s first One-Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh in Colombo delivered a rare spectacle for cricket fans—a bowler who dismantled the opposition while switching arms at will.
The man in the spotlight? Kamindu Mendis, Sri Lanka’s ambidextrous spin sensation who turned the game on its head with a performance that left Bangladesh bewildered and the cricket world buzzing.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI: The Collapse that Shocked Everyone
On a humid evening under lights at Colombo, Bangladesh seemed in control. Chasing a target of 245 runs, they cruised comfortably at 100 for 1, setting up what looked like a routine chase.
But cricket is nothing if not unpredictable. Within the next 26 balls, the visitors imploded spectacularly—losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs, eventually bowled out for 167, giving Sri Lanka a resounding 77-run victory.
Key match stats:
- Sri Lanka 244/8 (50 overs)
- Bangladesh 167 all out (36.3 overs)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 77 runs
Enter Kamindu Mendis: The both handeds Assassin
The man responsible for Bangladesh’s meltdown was none other than Kamindu Mendis.
Bowling left-arm orthodox spin, he dismissed Towhid Hridoy and Tanzim Hasan Sakib within his first eight balls.
With Bangladesh reeling, he switched arms mid-spell—turning to right-arm off-spin to trap Taskin Ahmed three deliveries later.
He finished with stunning figures of 3 wickets for 19 runs in just 5 overs, a stat line as bizarre as his method.
What is both handed Bowling in Cricket?
Ambidextrous bowling is the rare art of delivering with both arms in professional cricket—often in the same over.
Left-arm spin can turn the ball away from right-handers.
Right-arm off-spin turns it into the right-hander.
By switching arms, a bowler can constantly change angles, spin direction, and the mental challenge for batters—all without changing the bowler himself.
How Rare is both handed Bowling?
In the rich history of cricket, true ambidextrous bowlers are exceptionally rare.
It requires:
- Mastery of two distinct bowling actions
- Tactical understanding of match situations
- Physical balance and fitness
Very few players have succeeded at the professional level, making Kamindu Mendis’s feat even more special.
Kamindu Mendis: A Special Talent in Sri Lankan Cricket
Kamindu Mendis has long been recognised for this rare ability.
He made headlines during under-19 tournaments for bowling with both arms, showcasing:
- Left-arm orthodox spin
- Right-arm off-spin
Now at the senior level, he’s not just a novelty act—he’s a genuine match-winner, as Bangladesh learned the hard way.
How the ODI Unfolded: Bangladesh’s Stunning Collapse
Let’s rewind the dramatic collapse in Colombo:
100/1 ➜ cruising in the 21st over
Mendis introduced into the attack
Hridoy clean bowled, trying to cut a ball that came in
Sakib lbw to a classic left-arm delivery
Switches arms ➜ right-arm off-spin ➜ Taskin Ahmed edges to slip
It was a masterclass in spin bowling strategy, backed by Sri Lanka’s other spinners like Wanindu Hasaranga, who played the traditional leg-spinner role and kept the pressure on.
Why Kamindu’s Performance Matters
Sri Lanka has long been famous for producing world-class spinners:
- Muttiah Muralitharan
- Rangana Herath
- Ajantha Mendis
Kamindu Mendis offers something no one else has—true ambidextrous bowling in international cricket, giving captains a unique weapon against any batting lineup.
More tactical options
Constant uncertainty for the batter
Ability to adjust instantly to the batter’s handedness
Both handed Bowlers Around the World: Cricket’s Rarest Club
Kamindu Mendis now stands as the most prominent active ambidextrous bowler, but he’s not alone in history.
Akshay Karnewar (India):
- Viral for switching arms mid-over in Indian domestic cricket
- Known for his accuracy with both hands
Yasir Jan (Pakistan):
- A rare ambidextrous pace bowler
- Videos of him bowling right-arm fast and left-arm fast
Jemma Barsby (Australia):
- Women’s cricketer who switches spin arms depending on the batter
- Brilliant T20 tactician
Shaila Sharmin (Bangladesh):
- Ambidextrous spinner in Bangladesh women’s cricket
Hanif Mohammad (Pakistan):
- Believed to be the first to bowl with both arms in a Test, although mainly remembered for his batting
Graham Gooch (England):
- Occasionally bowled left-arm when games drifted toward draws
Hashan Tillakaratne (Sri Lanka):
- Shocked fans by bowling with both hands during the 1996 World Cup match vs Kenya
These names show just how niche and special Kamindu’s skill set is on the global stage.
Tactical Impact: How Dual Spin Confuses Batters
Angle changes:
- Left-arm orthodox ➜ spins away from right-handers
- Right-arm off-spin ➜ spins into them
Mental disorientation:
- Batters must constantly reset their approach
- Less time to adjust between deliveries
Field placement advantages:
- Captain can plan different fields for each style in the same over
Kamindu’s spell against Bangladesh was a perfect demonstration of these advantages.
Future of both handed Bowling in Sri Lanka
Kamindu Mendis’s success could inspire a new generation of young bowlers in Sri Lanka to experiment with both arms.
Coaching academies may now encourage kids to develop ambidextrous skills.
More versatile bowlers could mean better matchups in limited-overs cricket.
It’s a strategic innovation in an era where match-ups and variations are crucial.
Sri Lanka’s win also gives their ODI strategy a new dimension heading into future series.
Match Context: Series Implications
This win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against Bangladesh.
Builds momentum for upcoming games
Restores confidence after recent mixed results
Showcases depth in spin attack with Hasaranga and Mendis leading the charge
Bangladesh will have to rethink their batting plans, particularly against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy approach.
Kamindu Mendis: More than Just a Gimmick
It’s tempting to label ambidextrous bowling as a gimmick. But Kamindu’s performance proves otherwise.
He wasn’t just switching arms for show—each style produced wickets.
He read conditions, batters’ weaknesses, and adjusted brilliantly.
His figures (3/19 in 5 overs) tell the story of genuine match-winning impact.
Conclusion: A Rare Talent Elevating Sri Lanka Cricket
Kamindu Mendis’s ambidextrous spell against Bangladesh is more than just a quirky highlight.
It’s a symbol of innovation in Sri Lankan cricket.
It shows tactical adaptability that modern cricket demands.
It celebrates the art of spin bowling in all its complexity.
As Sri Lanka looks to rebuild and reassert itself on the world stage, players like Kamindu Mendis remind us that cricket is as much about skill and strategy as power and athleticism.
Fans will be eager to see how far this rare talent can take his team—and inspire the next generation of cricketers to think outside the box.
