Captain Dasun Shanaka said the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Nuwan Pradeep and Wanindu Hasaranga are the future of Sri Lanka cricket after newcomers all played their part in sealing a Twenty20 series win in Pakistan.
Batsman Rajapaksa hit a whirlwind half-century while Pradeep and Hasaranga recorded career-best bowling figures as Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 35 runs in the second Twenty20 international in Lahore on Monday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead with one match left to play.
Left-handed Rajapaksa blasted six sixes and four fours in a 48-ball 77 - his first half-century on only his second T20 international - to help the visitors post a challenging total of 182-6.
Pradeep took 4-25 while leg-spinner Hasaranga picked up his three wickets in the space of just four balls as Pakistan were bowled out for 147 in 19 overs.
"We played quality cricket and that's why we won," said Sri Lankan skipper Shanaka, standing in for regular captain Lasith Malinga who was one of 10 players who missed the tour over security fears.
"Rajapaksa played a masterclass innings. These youngsters should get a good chance after the series and I am sure selectors will look at it."
Monday's victory ensured Sri Lanka's first T20 series win over top-ranked Pakistan in seven attempts ahead of Wednesday's final match also to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium. Sri Lanka won the first match by 67 runs, also in Lahore.
"We didn't play good cricket. Congrats to Sri Lanka, who batted, bowled and fielded better than us and I think they deserved to win," said Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Imad Wasim top scored with 47 off 29 balls but his partnership of 75 with Asif Ali (29) was not enough to stop Sri Lanka from registering another convincing win.
