Third ODI between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe: Wanindu Hasaranga takes 7-19 as Sri Lanka crushes Zimbabwe to win the series

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka made an incredible comeback to the international game on Thursday in Colombo, leading his team to an eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe and securing a 2-0 ODI series victory. Hasaranga amassed a career-best 7-19. In his first encounter after a six-month layoff due to a hamstring injury, Sri Lanka’s best bowler dismissed the visitors for 96 runs in a game that was shortened to 27 overs each side by two downpours.

“There has been a lengthy pause. After the game, Hasaranga said, “I am really happy with the effort. It’s hard work to come back to the side.”

With Kusal Mendis scoring the majority of the runs with an undefeated 66 off 51 balls, Sri Lanka amassed the required total in only 17 overs. With 43 goals without a defeat, Zimbabwe had gotten off to a strong start. However, the entrance of Hasaranga proved to be fatal for the visitors.

By the conclusion of his second over, Hasaranga’s googly had claimed three wickets, and Zimbabwe was down 47-3, losing four batsmen who were trapped leg before wicket.

In the series, “the guys showed a lot of fight,” Craig Ervine, the captain of Zimbabwe, stated.

Even though we got off to a good start before the rain break, today didn’t go as planned. Our choices for countering spin were few. We will extract it from this series, he continued.

At R. Premadasa Stadium, Hasaranga’s fourth five-wicket haul has surpassed Angelo Mathews’ 2009 6-20 against India to set a new record. Furthermore, it was the second-best ODI total by a Sri Lankan bowler, behind Chaminda Vaas’ 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001-.

When Hasaranga left the field, there was a standing ovation for him. Hasaranga will skipper Sri Lanka in the next T20 series.

“Although I’m not big on records, it’s nice to have and it makes the team win.” We need this morale boost going into a hectic season,” Hasaranga said.

With 29, opening player Joylord Gumbie led the visitors in scoring. Together with Shevon Daniel (12), the captain Mendis had a 73-run partnership for the second wicket as the home team easily won with 62 deliveries remaining.

It felt fantastic to win my first series. My seniors have been a huge source of support for me. From here, maybe, we can grow,” Mendis said.

Rain caused the first game of the series to be abandoned, but the hosts prevailed in the second match after a hard-fought two-wicket victory.

Beginning on Sunday, a three-game Twenty20 series will once again be hosted in Colombo.