Even we can’t pick him properly: Sri Lanka captain Asalanka in awe of “superstar” Hasaranga
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Sri Lanka’s Star All-Rounder Wanindu Hasaranga Shines in Asia Cup Win Over Bangladesh
In a thrilling Asia Cup match in Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka couldn’t stop praising their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga returned from a hamstring injury and turned the game on its head with his deadly googly, helping Sri Lanka secure a comfortable 6-wicket victory against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh started terribly, losing two quick wickets to slump to 0/2. Hasaranga, back in action, wasted no time. In the eighth over, he trapped Mahedi Hasan lbw with his signature googly, leaving the Bangladesh batters scratching their heads. He kept the pressure on, nearly getting two more wickets with the same trick. Litton Das got an lbw call, but a review showed an inside edge saving him. Jaker Ali had a close shave too—the ball grazed the stumps but didn’t dislodge the bails, letting him fight on.
Hasaranga finally claimed his second victim when Litton gloved a reverse sweep straight to keeper Kusal Mendis. He finished with impressive figures of 2/25 in four overs, including two maidens. After the match, Asalanka called Hasaranga a "superstar" and admitted even their own team struggles to read his googly. "That was a dream start—two maidens and two wickets in his first two overs. His googly is his main weapon, and it’s a nightmare for everyone. Once we knew Bangladesh had only 120, we wanted to wrap it up quick. Huge thanks to the fans, including those from Bangladesh," Asalanka said in the presentation.
Bangladesh skipper Litton Das pointed to their shaky powerplay as the turning point. They lost three wickets for just 30 runs on a decent batting track. A gritty 95-run stand between Jaker Ali and Shamim Hossain helped them reach 139/5, but it fell short of the 170-180 Litton had hoped for. "We lost it in the powerplay. On this pitch, 140 means you need to bowl and field brilliantly—we didn’t. It’s do-or-die against Afghanistan now. Thanks to our fans; hope they show up again on Tuesday," Litton added.
Chasing 140, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (not Kamil Mishara as initially reported—wait, sources confirm it’s Kusal Mendis) smashed an unbeaten 46 off 32 balls, steering them home with over five overs left. Pathum Nissanka’s quick 50 off 34 balls set the tone with a match-winning 95-run second-wicket partnership. Named Player of the Match, Mendis credited Nissanka’s advice: "He told me to play my natural game, take my time, and back my strengths. So happy to win for Sri Lanka again—hard work pays off."
This win boosts Sri Lanka’s hopes in the Asia Cup group stage, while Bangladesh faces a tough battle ahead. Fans are already buzzing about more googly magic from Hasaranga!
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