Hasaranga’s rollercoaster journey as a bowler
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Wanindu Hasaranga on Friday delivered an impressive performance, claiming figures of 4 for 45 in the ODI match against Bangladesh. This was his best bowling performance in ODIs against Bangladesh, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s victory in a closely contested game that leveled the ongoing three-match series. It was a remarkable turnaround for Hasaranga, who had previously gone wicketless and conceded 54 runs in eight overs during the first match.Hasaranga’s ODI career is a story of ups and downs, bearing testimony to both his undeniable talent and his difficulties in performing consistently against top-tier teams. Having played 53 ODIs, he has taken 82 wickets but bulk of it has been against lower-ranked teams. His journey on the international stage has been a mix of impressive displays and periods of inconsistency, and this has warranted a closer examination of his game and performances.
When facing teams like Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies, the right-arm leg-spinner has often struggled to make an impact against the strong competition. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, he has found it challenging to maintain his performance levels against these formidable opponents.
Despite possessing a strong skill-set and a promising spin-bowling arsenal, his statistics against these cricketing giants reveal a concerning trend. In 26 matches against these teams, he has only managed to take 22 wickets, averaging 49.54.
These numbers raise doubts about his ability to perform against the best in the trade. Good spells, such as his notable four-wicket haul against Australia, have been overshadowed by a broader pattern of inconsistency that has left fans and pundits questioning his potential.
However, Hasaranga, the Sri Lanka T20I skipper, has been impressive against the same teams in the T20 format where he has recorded impressive figures. In 49 games against these teams, Hasaranga has picked up 74 of his 104 career T20I wickets with an average of 17.33.
Hasaranga has shown great competency against lower-ranked teams in ODIs. Matches against Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands, Oman, Scotland, United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe highlight that Hasaranga has been lethal against these teams. In 27 encounters with these sides, he has taken an impressive 60 wickets, with an average of 17.33. This include all four of his five-wicket hauls, with his best performance being 7 for 19 against Zimbabwe. His dominance against weaker opponents underscores his potential and ability to shine on the field, generating admiration and excitement among fans and pundits.
(Sources cricinfo.com)
The stark difference in Hasaranga’s performance has sparked debates within the cricketing community. Some attribute his struggles against top-tier teams to a lack of skills, suggesting the need for tactical adjustments and game refinement. Critics and analysts agree that addressing these issues is crucial for Hasaranga to reach his potential and become a reliable asset for the Sri Lankan team in all conditions and against all teams.
His ODI career serves as a reminder of the demanding nature of international cricket and the constant need for players to strive for excellence. As he continues to develop and fine-tune his skills, it will be interesting to see how he rises to the challenge of competing against the best in the world. With proper guidance and support, Hasaranga undoubtedly has the potential to overcome obstacles and cement his status among cricketing elites.