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Cricket fans worldwide have seen Sri Lankan leg-break bowler Wanindu Hasaranga rise rapidly. His rise from potential young talent to global cricket superstar is astonishing. Hasaranga's dominance on the pitch has left an indelible impression on the Indian Premier League. Starting from the under-19 National Team of Sri Lanka, Hasaranga’s journey has been filled with accomplishments. He was even named “Most Promising Player” in the 2016-17 List A season. Let’s revisit three of his most memorable T20 tournament experiences in this piece.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s IPL debut made a splash in his 2021. The Sri Lankan leg-spinner was selected by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to shine on the big stage. In his first RCB encounter, he made IPL history.
Hasaranga bowled well and stayed calm against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). He became the youngest IPL bowler to take a hat trick.
His hat trick includes crucial wickets of Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, and Dinesh Karthik. Each dismissal showed his ability to outfox T20's most damaging batsman. Hasaranga's 3-wicket, 20-run performance helped RCB win and wowed spectators and critics.
In his second IPL season in 2022, Wanindu Hasaranga stats excelled. His tournament highlight was a high-stakes match against Sun Risers Hyderabad.
RCB needed a big win over SRH to qualify for the playoffs. Teams set hard goals like 192 runs. SRH responded steadily, reaching 50/2 after eight overs. Game hung in the balance with the run rate within grasp.
Wanindu Hasaranga had different ideas. He changed the game with his whole leg-spin repertoire. A devastating spell of bowling saw him take 5 wickets for 18 runs. The deadly SRH batters Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran were among his victims.
Hasaranga's outstanding performance destroyed SRH's batting order and increased RCB's net run rate. He deservedly won Player of the Match for his amazing performance. This stunning 5-wicket haul showed his ability to change a game alone.
For the 2022 IPL, RCB hoped to end their trophy drought. They wanted to advance in the Eliminator against the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG).
LSG skipper KL Rahul and middle-order batsman Deepak Hooda formed a powerful partnership that pushed their team within striking distance of victory. With 83 runs needed off 36 deliveries, RCB was losing.
RCB captain Faf du Plessis relied on Wanindu Hasaranga in a crucial moment. Hasaranga stayed calm after two sixes in his first three deliveries. He misled Hooda with a delightful googly that clean bowled him.
This key breakthrough ended the perilous alliance and boosted RCB. Under duress, LSG's lower middle-order disintegrated, and RCB won by 14 runs. Hasaranga's clutch performance helped RCB reach Qualifier 2, their deepest run in the tournament in years.
As Wanindu Hasaranga continues to impress in the IPL and worldwide T20, supporters eagerly await more unforgettable moments. His rise from a young debutant to a top T20 player is a credit to his talent, dedication, and unrelenting attitude.
FAQs
What made Hasaranga's IPL debut special?
Hasaranga became the youngest IPL bowler to score a hat trick in his debut encounter.
Which 2021 IPL club drafted Wanindu Hasaranga?
Wanindu Hasaranga joined RCB for the 2021 IPL.
What was Wanindu Hasaranga 2022 IPL highlight?
Wanindu Hasaranga’s IPL 2022 highlight was taking 5 wickets for 18 runs against Sun Risers Hyderabad.
What made Hasaranga's IPL 2022 Eliminator performance noteworthy?
Wanindu Hasaranga bowled an important over with a wicket to break a threatening partnership and assist RCB advance in the IPL 2022 Eliminator.
