NEW DELHI: Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga marked a spectacular return to international cricket by recording his career-best figures of 7-19 in the rain-affected ODI decider against Zimbabwe in Colombo on Thursday.
The match, reduced to 27 overs per side due to rain, saw Zimbabwe being bowled out for 96 runs.
Despite a promising start by Zimbabwe's openers, Hasaranga, known for his deceptive googly, made a significant breakthrough by dismissing Takudzwanashe Kaitano in the ninth over after the first rain interruption.
He continued his brilliance by claiming two more wickets in the same over, leaving Zimbabwe struggling at 47-3.
With no recovery in sight for the tourists, Hasaranga continued to wreak havoc by taking four more wickets, finishing with a career-best 7-19.
This outstanding performance set a new record for R Premadasa Stadium, surpassing Angelo Mathews' 6-20 against India in 2009.
It also stands as the second-best ODI figures by a Sri Lankan bowler, with Chaminda Vaas' 8-19 holding the top spot.
Sri Lanka lead the three-match series 1-0. The first game was washed out by rain while Sri Lanka won the second by two wickets.
(With AFP inputs)
