Srinagar: Sri Lanka star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga made a dream comeback to International cricket with fifth best ever bowling figures in mens ODI history.
Wanindu Hasaranga took 7-19, ranking as the fifth-best bowling performance in men’s ODI history.
An injury followed by a surgery had forced Hasaranga to remain in sidelines for long. For the Zimbabwe series Wanindu Hasaranga was appointed as the new captain for T20Is. Hasaranga missed the first two ODIs as Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead after a rain-affected match. He rejoined the team for the final ODI, which was shortened to 27 overs per side. Consequently, two bowlers were limited to six overs each, while the rest bowled five overs.
Entering the match as the fifth bowler in the ninth over, Hasaranga dismissed Takudzwanashe Kaitano with his sixth delivery, initiating a 10-ball sequence where he claimed three wickets for four runs. Although a no-ball resulted in two runs, and Luke Jongwe hit a six, slightly affecting Hasaranga’s figures, he bounced back to take the last two wickets. Ultimately, he finished with figures of 5.5-1-19-7, marking the fifth-best bowling performance in men’s ODIs.
Best figures in men’s ODI history
8-19 – Chaminda Vaas against Zimbabwe at SSC 2001/02
7-12 – Shahid Afridi against West Indies at Providence 2013
7-15 – Glenn McGrath against Namibia at Potchefstroom 2003 (World Cup)
7-18 – Rashid Khan against West Indies at Gros Islet 2017
7-19 – Wanindu Hasaranga against Zimbabwe at Premadasa 2023/24
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 96 in 22.5 overs. The home side chased the target in the 17th over to win the three-match series 2-0.