Wanindu Hasaranga Records 5th Best Bowling Figures In ODI History

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga marked his international cricket comeback with a historic performance, claiming seven wickets against Zimbabwe in the third ODI. His exceptional figures rank among the best in ODI history.

Key Takeaways:

• Wanindu Hasaranga's comeback saw him secure the fifth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history.

• The rain-shortened match, part of the Sri Lanka vs. Zimbabwe series, witnessed Hasaranga taking seven wickets for just 19 runs in 5.5 overs.

• Captain Kusal Mendis played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's victory, chasing down the revised target with an unbeaten 66.

Question: Who holds the record for the best bowling figures in ODI history? 

Answer: As of January 11, 2024, Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka boasts the best ODI bowling figures, having taken 8 wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe on December 8, 2001.

On his international cricket comeback after a lengthy wait due to injuries, Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga scripted history by recording the fifth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket.

It was the last game of the three-match ODI series between the hosts Sri Lanka and the visitors Zimbabwe at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Before that game, Sri Lanka were leading the series by 1-0.

After Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first, their openers Joylord Gumbie and Takudzwanashe Kaitano provided a solid start. On 40/0 in 7.4 overs, rain interrupted the match. Later, the match was shortened to 27 overs per side.

Wanindu Hasaranga bagged seven wickets after rain

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga took seven wickets on his international comeback (Image Credit: X)

While Zimbabwe restarted their innings from a solid position, spinner Wanindu Hasaranga single-handedly destroyed the Chevrons' batting line-up. First, he took all first four wickets by dismissing Takudzwanashe Kaitano (17), Joylord Gumbie (29), captain Craig Ervine (0), and Milton Shumba (2).

Later, Hasaranga took the wickets of Clive Madande (0), Wellington Masakadza (11), and Blessing Muzarabani (0) to bundle out the visitors for only 96 runs in 22.5 overs. Sri Lanka chased down the target in 16.4 overs after losing only two wickets, majorly thanks to captain Kusal Mendis’ 66 not out in 51 balls, and won the home series by 2-0.

Sri Lankan leggie Wanindu Hasaranga ended the game with outstanding bowling figures 5.5-1-19-7. Here are some crucial stats of that bowling performance.

• Hasaranga recorded the third-best bowling figures by a spinner in ODI history.

• Hasaranga recorded the fifth-best bowling figures in ODI cricket history.

Best bowling figures in ODI history (Top 5)

(Updated as of 11 January 2024)

He is also only the 2nd bowler in ODI to record Three Consecutive Five-Wicket Hauls In ODI