Pinnaduwage Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, commonly known as Wanindu Hasaranga, is a gifted cricketer from Sri Lanka. Born on July 29, 1997, in Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka, Hasaranga has quickly risen through the ranks to become a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cricket.
Having attended Richmond College, a renowned cricketing institution in Sri Lanka, Hasaranga honed his skills and gained invaluable experience. He made a name for himself as a dominant lower-middle order batsman and an aggressive legbreak bowler, showcasing his versatility on the field.
Hasaranga’s talent did not go unnoticed, and he was selected to represent Sri Lanka in the Under-19 teams in 2015 and 2016. It was his impressive bowling performance in the 2016 Youth World Cup quarter-final against England that truly caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts. His impactful figures of 3 for 34 played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s success in the tournament.
While he initially made a mark with his exploits as a bowler, it was Hasaranga’s batting prowess that stole the spotlight in his first two seasons of senior cricket. Making his debut for Ports Authority Cricket Club, he announced his arrival with a blistering knock of 87 in first-class cricket. Subsequently, he joined the Colombo Cricket Club and continued to shine, accumulating 586 runs at an average of 39.06 and a strike rate of 93 in the 2017 Premier League Tournament.
Hasaranga’s performance with the bat, combined with a consistent display of impressive bowling skills in List A domestic tournaments, earned him a spot in the national team. The selectors recognized his potential and included him in the squad for the first two one-day internationals against Zimbabwe in June 2017. Apart from his batting and bowling abilities, Hasaranga’s exceptional fielding skills were also highlighted as a contributing factor to his selection.
Making his international debut, Wanindu Hasaranga etched his name in cricketing history. In a remarkable feat, he became only the third player in One-Day International (ODI) history to claim a hat-trick on debut. Within his first three deliveries, he dismissed three Zimbabwean batsmen, leaving the cricketing world in awe.
As Hasaranga continues to make strides in his cricketing journey, his dedication and commitment to the sport are evident. He exhibits immense talent in both his batting and bowling, making him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan cricket team. With the potential to make a significant impact, cricket enthusiasts eagerly await his future performances.
With ambition and talent on his side, Wanindu Hasaranga has the potential to become a standout player in international cricket. As he continues to strive for greatness, it is evident that Sri Lanka has a promising star in their midst.
