Hasaranga : Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga Equals Waqar Younis’ Record with Consecutive Five-Wicket Hauls in ODIs

Cricket is a sport that has witnessed numerous remarkable performances over the years. On Sunday, June 25, Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga achieved a significant milestone by equaling the 33-year-old record of Pakistan legend Waqar Younis. Hasaranga’s exceptional bowling prowess came to the fore during the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifier against Ireland in Bulawayo, where he secured three consecutive five-wicket hauls.

Breaking Records with Consistency

Hasaranga’s remarkable performance in the ongoing World Cup qualifiers has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide. With figures of six for 24 against the United Arab Emirates and five for 13 against Oman, he showcased his exceptional talent and skill as a spinner. In the match against Ireland, Hasaranga recorded impressive figures of five for 79, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s 133-run victory.

This outstanding feat makes Hasaranga the first spinner and only the second player in history to achieve this remarkable record. The legendary Pakistani bowler Waqar Younis was the first to accomplish this milestone in 1990. Waqar’s extraordinary performances included figures of five for 11 and five for 16 against New Zealand, as well as five for 52 against West Indies, all achieved within a span of five days in November 1990. The rarity of this accomplishment is evident, particularly in the limited-overs format, where achieving consistent five-wicket hauls is a challenging task.

Hasaranga’s Record-Breaking Performance

While Hasaranga’s figures of 5/79 were exceptional, it is worth noting that they were the second most expensive five-wicket haul in One Day International history. England spinner Adil Rashid holds the record for the most expensive five-wicket haul, with figures of 5/85 against West Indies in 2019. However, this doesn’t diminish the significance of Hasaranga’s achievement, as his consistent performance throughout the tournament highlights his impact as a key player for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Triumph in the World Cup Qualifier

In the World Cup qualifier match against Ireland, Sri Lanka showcased their dominance with both bat and ball. Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne played a remarkable innings, scoring his maiden ODI hundred, while Sadeera Samarawickrama contributed with a crucial knock of 82 runs. Their efforts helped Sri Lanka set a formidable target of 326 runs. In response, the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Hasaranga, dismantled the Irish batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 192 runs in 31 overs. Hasaranga was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana also played a vital role by claiming two wickets, and the pace trio of Kasun Rajitha, Dasun Shanaka, and Lahiru Kumara each took a wicket, contributing to Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory.

With this win, Sri Lanka secured their place in the Super Six stage of the Qualifier, moving one step closer to qualifying for the World Cup. Unfortunately, the loss meant that Ireland’s World Cup journey came to an end, and they will miss the 50-over showpiece event scheduled to be held in India later this year, during October and November.

Hasaranga’s Remarkable Performance in the Qualifier

Hasaranga’s exceptional performances in the World Cup qualifiers have not gone unnoticed. Prior to his incredible three consecutive five-wicket hauls, he had already entered the top 10 list for the best bowling figures for Sri Lanka in ODIs with a six-wicket haul. His contributions with the ball have been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s success, making him a vital asset to the team.

Conclusion

Wanindu Hasaranga’s achievement of equalling Waqar Younis’ 33-year-old record is a testament to his exceptional talent and skill as a spinner. His consistent performances in the ICC World Cup 2023 Qualifier have played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s success. With his remarkable bowling abilities, Hasaranga has firmly established himself as a key player in the Sri Lankan cricket team. As he continues to make strides in his career, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate his future performances on the international stage.

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