In the sport’s longest format, Wanindu Hasaranga has declared his retirement. Now, he will only play for Sri Lanka in the two white-ball competitions.
In order to extend his international playing career as a “limited-overs specialist,” Sri Lanka’s top all-around spin bowler Wanindu Hasaranga has retired from Test cricket. Before ending his playing career in the longest format of the sport, the 26-year-old took part in four Test matches. He scored 196 runs with the help of a half-century and bagged a four-for in his red-ball career.
In December 2020, the Lankan Lions’ leg break bowler made his Test debut against South Africa in Centurion. In April 2021, he played his final match for the island nation while wearing the whites at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Hasaranga, who established himself in white-ball cricket, particularly in T20 Internationals, has been a key component of Sri Lanka’s recent triumphs in the game’s shortest format.
He played a key role in Sri Lanka’s stunning victory in the 2022 Asia Cup, taking nine wickets in six games to finish the tournament with nine, trailing only India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 11 total wickets.
Hasaranga once again topped the rankings in the recently concluded ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, where Sri Lanka won the tournament after defeating the Netherlands in the championship game. Hasaranga collected 22 wickets in seven innings at an average of 12.90.
In the next Asia Cup, which begins on August 30, he is anticipated to play a significant part for Sri Lanka as they prepare to defend their championship. Additionally, because the Indian wickets are considered to be favourable for spin, he can pose a significant threat to the opposition’s players during the 50-over World Cup.
