Wanindu Hasaranga Achieves Milestone: Second Fastest Bowler Ever To Claim 100+ Wickets In T20 International Cricket
Prior to Hasaranga's feat, Lasith Malinga stood as the solitary Sri Lankan bowler to surpass the 100-wicket mark in T20 Internationals.
Sri Lanka's premier spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, has etched his name into the annals of cricket history by reaching a significant career milestone, becoming just the second Sri Lankan cricketer to claim 100 wickets in T20 International matches. This remarkable achievement places Hasaranga in an elite league, with only Lasith Malinga preceding him from the island nation.
Having assumed the role of captaincy for the T20I team, Hasaranga's feat was accomplished during the second T20I encounter against Afghanistan held at Dambulla. Since his debut in 2019, the leg-spinner has emerged as a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka's cricketing endeavors, consistently delivering stellar performances with the ball. In fact, he has established himself as the leading wicket-taker in men's T20Is since his entrance into the international cricketing scene.
Prior to Hasaranga's feat, Lasith Malinga stood as the solitary Sri Lankan bowler to surpass the 100-wicket mark in T20 Internationals. Notably, Malinga achieved this milestone in his 76th T20I appearance, whereas Hasaranga achieved the same feat in just his 63rd match, making him the second-fastest bowler to reach 100 T20I wickets. Rashid Khan of Afghanistan retains the top position in this regard, accomplishing the feat in a mere 53 matches during 2021.
In the recent clash against Afghanistan, Hasaranga showcased his bowling prowess, concluding with figures of 2 wickets for 19 runs in his allotted four overs. With this performance, he not only propelled Sri Lanka to victory in the second T20I but also bolstered his personal tally to 101 wickets in 63 T20I appearances, boasting an impressive average of 15.36 and a strikingly economical strike rate of 6.78.
Sri Lanka's triumph over Afghanistan in the second T20I not only solidified their dominance in the ongoing series but also highlighted Hasaranga's pivotal role in the team's success. With the series now poised at 2-0 in favor of Sri Lanka, Hasaranga's contributions with the ball have been instrumental in guiding his side towards a commanding position.
As Hasaranga continues to dazzle on the international stage, his achievement serves as a testament to his skill, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With many more matches and milestones on the horizon, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates witnessing further brilliance from this rising star of Sri Lankan cricket.
