Lasith Malinga, a name synonymous with deadly Yorkers and match-winning spells, turns 41 today. His illustrious career is filled with numerous memorable moments, especially in One Day Internationals (ODIs). While it’s challenging to narrow down his best performances, three stand out as true reflections of his brilliance.
Here’s a look at these top performances:
3. Malinga’s Magic in the 2014 Asia Cup Final – 5/56 vs Pakistan
One of Malinga’s most iconic performances came during the final of the 2014 Asia Cup against Pakistan. Malinga single-handedly dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup to secure Sri Lanka’s fifth Asia Cup title. Pakistan, despite being in a good position, found themselves at the mercy of Malinga’s lethal bowling. His spell started by reducing Pakistan to 18/3, and despite a fightback, Malinga wasn’t done.
He returned in the final overs to dismiss the experienced Misbah-ul-Haq and the dangerous Umar Akmal, ensuring Pakistan could only muster 260/5. Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, but it was Malinga’s five-wicket haul that truly won them the game.
2. Turning the Tide Against Australia – 5/28 in 2011
In 2011, Australia toured Sri Lanka for a five-match ODI series, and after losing the first two games, Sri Lanka needed a spark to keep the series alive. Enter Lasith Malinga. In the third ODI, Malinga delivered one of his finest spells, ripping through Australia’s top order. His first victim was Shane Watson, who was dismissed for just 5 runs.
Malinga’s relentless pace and pinpoint accuracy saw him claim five wickets while conceding only 28 runs. This performance not only helped Sri Lanka secure a much-needed win but also showcased Malinga’s ability to dominate even the most formidable of opponents.
1. World Cup Heroics Against England – 4/43 in 2019
In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka faced the daunting task of taking on England, the host nation and one of the tournament favorites. With Sri Lanka defending a modest total of 232, the odds were heavily stacked against them. However, Malinga, whose fitness was under scrutiny, rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion.
He delivered a vintage performance, removing both openers James Vince and Jonny Bairstow early on. But the crucial blows came in the middle overs when he dismissed Joe Root and Jos Buttler, two of England’s most dangerous batters. His spell of 4/43 turned the game on its head, leading Sri Lanka to a stunning 20-run victory.
For more exclusive updates Visit BJSports to access Exclusive News that is only for you, incisive analysis, and updates, and to keep up with all of the latest information on your remarkable cricket favorite players and teams. To ensure you never miss out, join in on the fun right away!