Wanindu Hasaranga (Photo Source: Twitter)
The star Sri Lanka leg-break spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, attained a monumental feat, as he became only the second bowler after Pakistan’s legendary pacer, Waqar Younis, to record the most consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODI history. Previously, it was Pakistan great, Waqar Younis, who became the first to ever register a five-wicket haul in three consecutive ODI matches. In addition to this, his lethal spell helped the Lankan Lions crush the Irish side by a humongous 133 runs in the ongoing ODI World Cup Qualifiers.
Meanwhile, talking of the game, batting first in the crucial contest, the Lankan Lions posted a humongous total of 325 runs in their 49.5 overs, as Dimuth Karunaratne registered a magnificent 103 off 103 balls. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dhananjaya de Silva played vital knocks, as they scored 38 and 42* runs, respectively.
Meanwhile, Mark Adair recorded a four-wicket haul for 46 runs in his 9.5 overs at a stunning economy of 4.67, whereas, Barry McCarthy got three scalps in his account. However, during the run-chase, it was the star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who ripped through the rival batting line up which kept Sri Lanka in the driver’s seat.
The spin sensation got five wickets to his name for 79 runs in his 10 overs at a decent economy of 7.90. In the process, he recorded his third consecutive five-wicket haul in ODIs. Impressively, he joined an elite list of ODI bowlers, as he became only the second bowler in the history of ODI cricket to take three consecutive five-wicket hauls in the format.
Sri Lanka crush Ireland to solidify their ticket to India
Coming back to the Qualifiers match, Ireland were restricted to a meagre 192 runs, as Curtis Campher top-scored for the side with 39 runs followed by Harry Tector, who scored 33 runs.
With this massive loss, Sri Lanka ended Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the 2023 ODI World Cup, slated to be played in India in October-November, later this year. On the flip side, the Lankan Lions will look to push through and cement their spot in the mega ICC event as they have qualified for the Super Six stage.