Video: Watch the new 'Lasith Malinga' - Viliame Manakiwai from Fiji
It seems that the Fiji national cricket team has unearthed a hidden gem in the form of fast bowler Viliame Manakiwai. The 25-year-old has been touted as the new ‘Lasith Malinga’ by the ICC, as per a tweet from the governing body’s official account – a view that has found support from the likes of Kevin O’Brien and Ross Taylor, due to the similarities in their bowling actions.
Despite not having the reverse swinging capabilities of the Sri Lankan star who has been honing them over his long cricket career, the uncanny bowling technique and ability possessed by the Fijian could potentially make him a huge star in the years to come. He could become the next big sling bowler in the world of cricket, terrifying batsmen into losing their wickets to him.
The tweet posted by the ICC included a video of Manakiwai, who was seen bowling an amazing toe-crusher at Guernsey opener James Wilkes-Green during the Group A match between Fiji and Guernsey in the ICC World Cricket League Division Six. He bowled the delivery with plenty of pace and intensity to completely bamboozle the batsman and judging by the quality of the delivery, any top player in the world would’ve likely been beaten in the same way.
Manakiwai went on to dismiss James’ opening partner as well (both failed to open their account) to leave Guernsey reeling at 2 for 2 at the end of the first over. He ended the match with slightly expensive figures of 2-39 from 6 overs as Fiji were set a target of 288 runs by the opposition. They would eventually go on to get bundled out for an embarrassing 99 runs with Manakiwai unsurprisingly going out for nought.