Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga marked a spectacular return to international cricket, delivering a career-best performance with figures of 7-19. His exceptional bowling performance guided Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket victory against Zimbabwe, sealing a 2-0 ODI series win in Colombo on Thursday. The match was shortened to 27 overs a side due to two rain interruptions.
In his first match back after a six-month absence due to a hamstring injury, Hasaranga played a pivotal role in dismissing Zimbabwe for a mere 96 runs. Despite Zimbabwe's promising start at 43 for no loss, the introduction of Hasaranga proved disastrous for the visitors. His well-executed googly led to three wickets by the end of his second over, causing Zimbabwe to slump to 47-3. Ultimately, four Zimbabwean batters were dismissed leg before wicket.
Wanindu Hasaranga's outstanding performance set a new record for R. Premadasa Stadium, surpassing Angelo Mathews' 6-20 against India in 2009. It also became the second-best ODI figures by a Sri Lankan bowler, trailing only Chaminda Vaas' 8-19 against Zimbabwe in 2001.
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka comfortably achieved victory within 17 overs, with Kusal Mendis leading the way with an unbeaten 66 off 51 balls. Opener Joylord Gumbie top-scored for Zimbabwe with 29 runs.
Hasaranga, who will captain Sri Lanka in the upcoming T20 series, received a standing ovation as he left the field. The first match of the series was washed out due to rain, while Sri Lanka secured a hard-fought two-wicket win in the second ODI. The teams will now gear up for a three-match T20 series starting on Sunday, all to be hosted in Colombo.