Wanindu Hasaranga’s Spectacular 6-Wicket Haul Propels Him into Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Best Bowling Figures in ODIs

In an outstanding display of skill and precision, Wanindu Hasaranga cemented his position among Sri Lanka’s top 10 best bowling figures in ODIs on Monday (June 19). His exceptional performance came during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Qualifier match against UAE at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s resounding 175-run victory.

After Sri Lanka set a challenging target of 356 runs, courtesy of impressive fifties from their top four batsmen, leg-spinner Hasaranga showcased his magic on the field. His brilliance was evident as he swiftly claimed three crucial wickets in just two overs, dismissing Muhammad Waseem (39), Basil Hameed (0), and Asif Khan (8), thereby establishing Sri Lanka’s firm control over the game. Hasaranga concluded his spell with exceptional figures of 6/24 in eight overs, further dismissing Rameez Shahzad (26), Aayan Khan (5), and Muhammad Jawadullah (0). However, despite his remarkable figures of 6 for 24, Hasaranga’s performance ranks as the sixth-best for Sri Lanka in ODIs.

Let’s delve into the top 10 best bowling figures for Sri Lanka in the 50-over format, which features illustrious names like Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Ajantha Mendis, who astounded India in the 2008 Asia Cup Final.

During Monday’s match, Hasaranga showcased his skills from the onset. In the first delivery of the 17th over, he claimed the wicket of Waseem, who found Charith Asalanka at deep mid-wicket. Just three deliveries later, Hasaranga struck again, trapping Hameed LBW in front of the stumps. Continuing his dominance, he claimed his third wicket in the third delivery of the 19th over, as Asif fell victim to Hasaranga’s tricky spin. The leg-spinner’s final three wickets came in quick succession, as Aayan, Rameez, and Jawadullah were all clean-bowled, sealing UAE’s dismissal for 180 in the closing stages of the run chase.