Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga recently achieved a remarkable milestone in T20 International (T20I) cricket by becoming only the second Sri Lankan bowler and the eleventh men’s player overall to reach 100 wickets in T20Is. This achievement came during the second T20I against Afghanistan in Dambulla, where Hasaranga not only crossed the 100-wicket mark but also demonstrated his bowling prowess with figures of 2/19 in his four overs.
Hasaranga’s journey to this milestone has been nothing short of impressive. Since his debut in 2019, he has been a standout performer in the T20I format, consistently delivering match-winning performances with his leg-spin bowling. In fact, he has taken more wickets than any other bowler in men’s T20Is since his debut, showcasing his importance to the Sri Lankan team.
What sets Hasaranga apart is not just his ability to take wickets but also his efficiency in doing so. With an average of 15.36 and an economy rate of 6.78, he has proven to be a valuable asset for Sri Lanka in the shortest format of the game. His knack for picking up crucial wickets at crucial junctures has been a key factor in Sri Lanka’s success in T20Is.
Comparisons have naturally been drawn between Hasaranga and his predecessor Lasith Malinga, who is the only other Sri Lankan bowler to have taken more than 100 wickets in T20Is. While Malinga achieved this milestone in his 76th T20I, Hasaranga managed to do so in just his 63rd, making him the second-fastest to reach 100 T20I wickets after Rashid Khan, who achieved the feat in 53 matches in 2021.
Hasaranga’s achievement is a testament to his skill, consistency, and dedication to the game. As the captain of Sri Lanka’s T20I side, he has not only led by example but has also inspired his teammates to raise their game. His success has not only brought glory to himself and his team but has also raised the profile of Sri Lankan cricket on the international stage.
Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I, which gave them a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, was a fitting occasion for Hasaranga to reach this milestone. It was yet another reminder of his importance to the team and his ability to deliver under pressure.
As Hasaranga continues to evolve as a cricketer, it is clear that he has the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future. His journey from a promising young talent to a world-class bowler is a testament to his hard work and determination. Sri Lankan cricket fans can look forward to many more memorable performances from this talented cricketer in the years to come.