Sri Lanka’s cricketing maestro, Wanindu Hasaranga, made a triumphant return to international cricket with a mesmerizing bowling performance that secured him the fifth-best men’s One Day International (ODI) bowling figures.
His stellar display of spin wizardry played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s commanding 8-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the rain-affected third ODI.
The stage was set when Hasaranga entered the game in the ninth over of the reduced 27-over match. Instantly making his presence felt, he dismissed Takudzwanashe Kaitano with the final ball of his first over, setting the tone for what would become a historic performance.
The Sri Lankan spinner continued to weave his magic, claiming three more scalps in his next two overs, showcasing his exceptional control and variation.
Zimbabwe found themselves grappling with Hasaranga’s googly, unable to decipher the mysteries of his spin. The spinner further tightened his grip on the game, securing three of the final four wickets and restricting the visitors to a mere 96 runs.
The Sri Lankan crowd erupted in cheers as Hasaranga’s masterclass unfolded, demonstrating his undeniable talent on the international stage.
Hasaranga’s figures of 7/19 now stand as the second-best by a Sri Lankan bowler in men’s ODIs. Only Chaminda Vaas’s legendary 8/19 against the same opposition 23 years ago surpasses this extraordinary feat.
The performance not only solidifies Hasaranga’s place among Sri Lanka’s cricketing greats but also etches his name in the annals of men’s ODI history.
Best Bowling Figures in Men’s ODIs:
Chaminda Vaas (SL) – 8/19 vs Zimbabwe, 2001
Shahid Afridi (PAK) – 7/12 vs West Indies, 2013
Glenn McGrath (AUS) – 7/15 vs Namibia, 2003
Rashid Khan (AFG) – 7/18 vs West Indies, 2017
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL) – 7/19 vs Zimbabwe, 2024
While Hasaranga’s figures fall just short of Vaas’s record, they exemplify his dominance in the bowling department and add another chapter to Sri Lanka’s cricketing legacy.
Glenn McGrath’s 7/15 in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match remains the gold standard, but Hasaranga’s performance is undoubtedly one for the cricketing enthusiasts to savor.
As the cricketing world applauds Hasaranga’s extraordinary achievement, attention now turns to the upcoming three-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, set to commence on January 14 in Colombo.
Cricket aficionados eagerly anticipate more captivating displays from Hasaranga as he continues to showcase his cricketing prowess. The stage is set for an exciting clash in the T20 format, and fans are in for a treat as these two teams lock horns once again.
