Wanindu Hasaranga’s 100 ODI wickets mark a significant moment in Sri Lankan cricket history. With this milestone, the leg-spinner has firmly established himself as a key figure in the country’s modern white-ball setup. In a relatively short span, Hasaranga has evolved from a promising youngster into one of the most consistent wicket-takers in the ODI format.
To begin with, Hasaranga took 100 wickets in just 63 matches, making him the fourth-fastest Sri Lankan to do so. Moreover, this remarkable achievement reflects his sharp cricketing acumen and ability to adapt quickly. Clearly, unlike many spinners who require time to settle into international cricket, Hasaranga made an immediate impact.
To put this into perspective, here is a comparison of Sri Lankan bowlers based on how quickly they reached 100 ODI wickets:
| Rank | Bowler | Matches | Bowling Style |
| 1 | Ajantha Mendis | 58 | Right-arm off-spin |
| 2 | Chaminda Vaas | 65 | Left-arm medium |
| 3 | Lasith Malinga | 76 | Right-arm fast |
| 4 | Wanindu Hasaranga | 63 | Right-arm leg-spin |
| 5 | Nuwan Kulasekara | 79 | Right-arm medium |
As the table shows, Hasaranga’s accomplishment puts him ahead of some of the game’s greats, including Malinga and Kulasekara. Therefore, this milestone highlights just how effective he has been in the ODI format.
Moreover, Hasaranga’s strength lies in bowling during the middle overs, a phase where many bowlers struggle. His clever use of flight, pace variation, and accuracy makes it difficult for batters to settle. Consequently, he has become a frequent partnership-breaker for Sri Lanka, often changing the course of a game.
In addition, he has shone in high-pressure tournaments. Whether it was the Asia Cup or ICC qualifiers, Hasaranga delivered consistently. Notably, his performances against top-ranked sides such as India, Pakistan, and South Africa show his ability to thrive at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Hasaranga’s contributions aren’t limited to bowling. He has also proven himself as a handy lower-order batter. His ability to accelerate the innings adds vital depth to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Furthermore, his athleticism in the field boosts the team’s overall energy and intensity.
As a result of his growing impact, Hasaranga is now seen as a core part of Sri Lanka’s white-ball future. His presence gives the team both control and aggression. Going forward, he is likely to shoulder even more responsibility as the team rebuilds with young talent.
In conclusion, Wanindu Hasaranga’s 100 ODI wickets are not just a personal achievement; they symbolize his transformation into a match-winner. With youth, talent, and hunger on his side, Hasaranga seems poised to become one of Sri Lanka’s all-time greats in the ODI format.
