Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s standout spinner, etched his name into cricketing history by reaching a monumental milestone, becoming only the second Sri Lankan player to claim 100 wickets in T20 International cricket. Hasaranga’s achievement places him in an exclusive club, alongside legendary compatriot Lasith Malinga.
During the second T20I clash against Afghanistan in Dambulla, Hasaranga, who currently captains Sri Lanka’s T20I team, reached this remarkable feat. Since his debut in 2019, Hasaranga has emerged as one of the most potent bowling threats in men’s T20Is.
Remarkably, Hasaranga reached the 100-wicket mark in just his 63rd T20I appearance, making him the second-fastest bowler to achieve this milestone, trailing only Rashid Khan, who accomplished it in 53 matches in 2021.
Notably, Lasith Malinga was the lone Sri Lankan bowler to surpass the 100-wicket mark before Hasaranga. Malinga achieved this feat in his 76th T20I, highlighting the rapid ascent of Hasaranga in the T20I arena.
In the recent encounter against Afghanistan, Hasaranga’s contribution was pivotal as he concluded with figures of 2/19 in four overs. His stellar bowling performance further solidified his reputation as a formidable force in T20 cricket.
With 101 wickets in 63 T20Is at an impressive average of 15.36 and a remarkable strike rate of 6.78, Hasaranga’s impact on Sri Lanka’s bowling unit is undeniable.
Moreover, Sri Lanka’s victory over Afghanistan in the second T20I not only secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series but also served as a fitting tribute to Hasaranga’s historic achievement, further cementing his status as a cricketing icon for his nation.
