Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier: Wanindu Hasaranga equals Waqar Younis’ 33-year-old record, becomes first spinner to achieve this feat in ODI cricket

Sri Lanka and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga achieved a rare feat – becoming the first spinner in the history of ODI cricket to take five-wicket hauls in three consecutive matches. Hasaranga, who is Virat Kohli’s partner in RCB, equaled a 33-year-old record set by former Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis – who also took three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.

With a remarkable 5-wicket haul from Hasaranga, Sri Lanka bundled out Ireland for 192 to secure a Super Six spot, defeating Ireland by 133 runs in an ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifier match in Bulawayo on Sunday. After taking 5 wickets in three consecutive ODIs, Hasaranga equaled the legendary Pakistani bowler Waqar Younis. In three matches, Hasaranga’s bowling figures are 6/24, 5/13 and 5/79. Whereas Waqar Younis set his record with 5/11, 5/16 and 5/52.

Talking about the match, Ireland called SL to bat first. SL scored 325 runs in his innings. Karunaratne’s century and knocks from Sadeera Samarawickrama (82 off 86 balls with four fours) and Dhananjay de Silva (42 off 35 balls with four fours and a six) helped the one-time champions post a big total. Mark Adair (4/46) and Barry McCarthy (3/56) were among the best of the bowlers for Ireland.

Vanindu Hasaranga can’t be stopped _

Along with Sri Lankan leg-spinner Waqar Younis, he has become the only two bowlers to take three consecutive five-wicket hauls in ODI cricket.
Hasranga’s every wicket so far #cwc23 qualifiers.https://t.co/zUzOEg94TV

– ICC (@ICC) 26 June 2023

Chasing a target of 326, Ireland was never a threat to Sri Lanka. At one stage they were reduced to 86/5. Harry Tector (33 from 35 balls) and Curtis Camper (39 from 31 balls) provided Ireland’s last hope, but their dismissals with 20 overs to spare left the Men in Green on the brink of a major defeat. Ireland’s tail-enders attacked, but could not stand up to Hasaranga, who took 5/79. Apart from this, Mahesh Thikshana also took two wickets for 29 runs.

Ireland’s team got piled on just 192 runs in 31 overs. Karunaratne received the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his century. With this result, Sri Lanka have made it to the Super Six stage of the qualifiers while Ireland have been knocked out of the World Cup race. The one-time champions are on top with three wins from three matches and a total of six points. Ireland, on the other hand, are yet to win a single game and have lost all their three matches. He is at the fourth position.