Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga staged a remarkable comeback to international cricket, delivering a career-best performance of 7-19 to lead his team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Zimbabwe, securing a 2-0 ODI series win in Colombo on Thursday.
In a game shortened to 27 overs per side due to two downpours, Hasaranga, making his return after a six-month hamstring injury absence, dismantled the Zimbabwean batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 96 runs.
Reflecting on his exceptional performance, Hasaranga stated, "It's been a long break. It's hard work to come back to the side, and I am very pleased with the effort."
Chasing the modest target, Sri Lanka comfortably achieved victory in less than 17 overs, with Kusal Mendis playing a key role by scoring an unbeaten 66 off 51 balls.
Although Zimbabwe had a promising start, reaching 43 for no loss, the introduction of Hasaranga proved disastrous for the visitors. His googly accounted for three wickets by the end of his second over, leading Zimbabwe to collapse at 47-3. Ultimately, four batters were dismissed leg before wicket.
Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine acknowledged the team's fight in the series but admitted that their options against spin were limited, something they aim to address in future series.
Hasaranga's outstanding figures of 7-19 set a new record for R. Premadasa Stadium, surpassing Angelo Mathews' 6-20 against India in 2009. It also stands as the second-best ODI bowling figure by a Sri Lankan bowler, trailing only Chaminda Vaas' 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.
The leg-spinner, who is set to captain Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20 series, received a standing ovation as he left the field, emphasising, "I am not a record man, but it's great to have... and it helps the team win."
Joylord Gumbie top-scored for Zimbabwe with 29, but Mendis and debutant Shevon Daniel's 73-run partnership for the second wicket ensured a comfortable victory for the hosts with 62 deliveries to spare.
Expressing his joy after the series win, Captain Mendis said, "It's my first series win, and it feels good. I've been getting lots of support from my seniors. Hopefully, we can build from here."
The first match of the series was affected by rain, resulting in a washout, while Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought two-wicket win in the second ODI. The teams will now face off in a three-match T20 series, beginning on Sunday, with Colombo hosting all the games.
