5 mind-blowing facts about Sri Lankan 'mystery spinner' Akila Dananjaya who destroyed Indian batting top order

Sri Lanka's spinner Akila Dananjaya emerged as a great star player for the hosts as he demolished Indian top order and claimed six wickets in the second ODI against India.

There was a time when the match turned upside down completely as brilliant Akila Dananjaya bagged 5 wickets in the span of 13 balls. The Indian batsmen came and went back to the pavilion as Akila's dominance continued. He ended up with 6 wickets in total.

Dananjaya sent waves of excitement across the island but his efforts went in vain. MS Dhoni (45*) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (53*) took the charge of the situation and led India to victory.

Even though India won the match, the Sri Lankan spinner won millions of hearts.

Here are five mind-blowing facts about Akila Dananjaya:

1. He made his International debut ahead of first class debut. It was in the year 2012 when he was selected for a T20I against New Zealand, while his first first class match was played in 2013.

2. You will be surprised to know that he was selected to play with Chennai Super Kings in 2013. His worth in that season was Rs. 10.5 Lakh approx.

3. It was former Sri Lankan player Mahela Jayawardena who recognised Akila's talent. He pursuaded the board to select Akila for the 2012 ICC World T20.

4. Interestingly, Akila married Nethali Tekshini just 24 hours before the game.

5. In his debut match against New Zealand, a ball hit his face and his cheek bone was injured. New Zealand's Rob Nicol smashed the ball which hit Akila's face. He couldn't participate in other matches because of the injury.