Sri Lanka’s top order batsman Kusal Mendis, the Observer SLT Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year in 2013, has shown early form scoring two blistering half centuries in the qualifying round matches of the ICC World Cup T20 tournament now being played in Australia. Having lost the opening qualifying round match to Namibia by 55 runs, Sri Lanka had to win their other two qualifying round matches against the UAE and the Netherlands if they were to advance to the Super 12 final round. Sri Lanka then beat UAE by 79 runs. Batting first, Sri Lanka a modest 152 for 8 in 20 overs but that too was handsome enough as UAE was bowled out for 73 runs in 17.1 overs.