Sri Lanka’s star cricketer, Wanindu Hasaranga, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the eleventh men's player and the second Sri Lankan bowler, after Lasith Malinga, to secure 100 wickets in T20 Internationals. This notable accomplishment solidifies Hasaranga's position as Sri Lanka's premier spinner in the T20 format. Hasaranga reached this milestone during the second T20I between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, part of the three-match T20I series on February 19 (Monday).
Hasaranga reached the 100-wicket milestone in just his 63rd T20I match, becoming the second-fastest bowler to achieve this feat. Rashid Khan of Afghanistan is the only player ahead of him on the prestigious list, achieving 100 T20I wickets in just 53 matches in 2021. Lasith Malinga, the former Sri Lankan skipper, is the other player from the island nation to accomplish this feat, achieving it in 76 matches. Notably, Mark Adair (72) and Ish Sodhi (78) are among the bowlers who also reached the 100 T20I wickets mark in fewer than 80 matches. Since his debut in 2019, the leg-spinner has also set a record for the most wickets by any bowler in men's T20Is.
Sri Lanka Defeat Afghanistan In 2nd SL vs AFG T20I
Coming to the 2nd SL vs AFG T20I match, the hosts secured a convincing victory by 72 runs in Dambulla on Monday. Sri Lanka posted a total of 187/6, with Sadeera Samarawickrama contributing 51 off 42 and Angelo Mathews scoring an unbeaten 42 off 22. Hasaranga also played a crucial role with the bat, contributing 22 off 9. In response, Afghanistan were bowled out for just 115 in 17 overs.
Following the match, the Sri Lankan captain shared his thoughts on achieving the milestone of reaching 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.
“Still a long way to go (on 100 T20I wickets). I trust my variations,” as quote by Cricbuzz.
The third T20I of the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan series is scheduled to take place in Dambulla on Wednesday, February 21.