Sri Lanka’s star spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga left everyone stunned with his sensational bowling performance in the third and last ODI of the three-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. At one moment in the first innings, Zimbabwe had a comfortable start with no loss after scoring 43 runs.
But then came the storm of Hasaranga’s bowling which completely ruined the batting lineup of the visitors. The Zimbabwean batters completely collapsed against the one-handed dominance of Wanindu Hasaranga.
He ended up scalping 7 wickets, just at the cost of 19 runs in 5.5 overs, including one maiden over on his credit. Besides Hasaranga, Dilshan Madhushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Janith Liyanage also bagged one wicket each for Sri Lanka.
On the back of Hasaranga’s bowling heroics, Sri Lanka bundled out Zimbabwe just at the score of 96 runs in 22.5 overs.
Fans also lauded Wanindu Hasaranga for his career-best bowling figures in ODIs; notably, he made his comeback at the cricketing field after a long break of 6 months due to an injury he sustained in the aftermath of Lanka Premier League 2023.
Skipper Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka's run-chase from the front
Speaking of the further action of the match, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target of 97 runs in just 16.4 overs, scoring 97 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Skipper Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten and match-winning knock of 66 runs off 51 balls, hitting 9 fours and a six.
With a big 8-wicket win in the third and last ODI of the three-match series, Sri Lanka also ended up winning the three-match series by 2-0 as the first ODI of the series was washed out due to the rain.
Now, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will lock horns in the upcoming three-match T20I series, starting with the first T20I on Sunday, January 14 at RPS in Colombo.
Here’s how fans reacted to Wanindu Hasaranga’s sensational seven-wicket haul against Zimbabwe:
One of the best spell I have seen in recent times..
— HAMZA (@HamzaQri) January 11, 2024
7-19 is absolute crazy. congratulations man.#hasaranga
— Amit Pal (@iamitpal101) January 11, 2024
What a comeback by wanindu hasranga after a 6 month break.
— Zaheer (@ZaheerAhmad0786) January 11, 2024
Very talented bowler or i must say an Allrounder
— Khalid Shabir Malik (@MalikKhalid214) January 11, 2024
Great Comeback after Enjury
— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) January 11, 2024
Congratulations🎉🥳🥳 Wanindu Hasranga
For Grabbing 5⃣ Wicket Haul
Dangerous Bowler
— Muhammad Ahmed (@MuhammadAh3179) January 11, 2024
Good
— Mano billi (@Sweeety121) January 11, 2024
welcome back legend
— Zubair Malik (@ZubairMalik00) January 11, 2024
Great comeback Hasaranga
— JD (@JDtheGhilli) January 11, 2024
Guy back with a bang
— Adnan Sardar (@Adnan_Sardar07) January 11, 2024