SL vs ZIM: Seven wonders from returning Wanindu Hasaranga guide Sri Lanka to ODI series win

Sri Lanka recorded a dominating eight-wicket win in the third ODI game against Zimbabwe to seal the three-match series at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. Rain was a constant spectator in Colombo which reduced the game to a 27-over affair but it was a seven-wicket haul from Wanindu Hasaranga that stole the limelight. 

Hasaranga returned to international cricket after a gap of six months and took seven wickets for 19 to help Sri Lanka bowl out Zimbabwe on just 96 runs. Then captain Kusal Mendis smashed 66* off 51 to register an easy win to secure the series by 2-0.

Hasaranga replaced Vandersay while debutant Shevon Daniel replaced veteran Dasun Shanaka in the playing XI for Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe made three changes with Jongwe, Masakadza and Kaitano coming in. 

Zimbabwe openers added 43 runs for the first wicket Hasaranga’s magical spell proved too much for the travelling side. Hasaranga bagged three wickets in his first spell before the rain interruption and then added four more to bowl out Zimbabwe on just 96 runs in 22.5 overs.

Wicketkeeper better Joylord Gumbie top-scored with 29 runs but senior figures Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza failed to contribute. Hasaranga finishes with 7/19 figures, the best by Sri Lanka spinner in ODI cricket history, 

Sri Lanka Playing XI: Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Shevon Daniel, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Sahan Arachchige, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

Zimbabwe Playing XI: Joylord Gumbie (wk), Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Craig Ervine (c), Milton Shumba, Sikandar Raza, Ryan Burl, Clive Madande, Wellington Masakadza, Luke Jongwe, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani

More to follow…