In a sport where heroes are made with every game, Sri Lanka has found its latest cricketing sensation in Wanindu Hasaranga. Surpassing milestones and etching his name in the history books, Hasaranga’s journey to becoming the second Sri Lankan to amass 100 T20 International (T20I) wickets is a tale of determination, skill, and sheer brilliance. As the cricket world woke up to this monumental achievement, fans and enthusiasts alike have been left in awe of the young all-rounder’s prowess on the field.
A Milestone to Remember
Monday turned out to be a red-letter day in T20I cricket as Wanindu Hasaranga reached the milestone of 100 wickets, joining an elite list of bowlers and becoming the second-fastest worldwide to achieve this feat. His remarkable performance came during a match against Afghanistan, where his bowling helped steer Sri Lanka to a series win. This achievement places him right next to, and in some records, ahead of the legendary Lasith Malinga, making him the first Sri Lankan after Malinga to reach this milestone. Hasaranga’s journey to 100 T20I wickets has been nothing short of spectacular, underscoring his role as a pivotal player for Sri Lanka.
Breaking Records and Making History
Hasaranga’s bowling display during the second T20I against Afghanistan not only contributed to Sri Lanka’s victory but also allowed him to surpass Malinga as the fastest Sri Lankan to reach 100 T20I wickets. This remarkable feat has sparked celebrations among Sri Lankan fans, who see in Hasaranga the emergence of a new cricketing hero capable of leading the team to new heights.
Reflecting on his achievement, the International Cricket Council (ICC) tweeted about Hasaranga becoming the second quickest to 100 T20I wickets, a testament to his incredible talent and hard work.
ICC Tweet
Wanindu Hasaranga becomes the second quickest to 100 T20I wickets 🙌
More 👉 https://t.co/mWrsvO7FwU pic.twitter.com/YNKH0ZtSgs
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2024
The significance of this milestone is not lost on cricket aficionados, as taking 100 wickets in the T20 format is a commendable achievement given the game’s fast-paced nature and the emphasis on heavy scoring. Hasaranga, with his spin bowling, has proven to be a formidable force on the field, outclassing many batsmen and setting new benchmarks in international cricket.
Beyond the Numbers
Wanindu Hasaranga’s journey to 100 wickets stretches beyond mere numbers; it’s a story of resilience and perseverance. Emerging as a key player for Sri Lanka, his contributions have not just been with the ball but also with the bat, defining him as a genuine all-rounder. His exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure have earned him a spot in the hearts of cricket fans, not only in Sri Lanka but around the world.
As Sri Lanka looks forward to building a team capable of competing at the highest levels, Wanindu Hasaranga will undoubtedly be central to those plans. His achievements at a relatively young age hint at the potential for an illustrious career ahead, filled with more records and accolades. As the cricketing world watches, Hasaranga’s journey from here on out will be keenly followed, with many eager to see how many more records he can shatter.
In the annals of cricket, especially in the T20 format, Wanindu Hasaranga’s name will be mentioned with respect and admiration. His achievement of 100 T20I wickets is a beacon of excellence for many young cricketers, proving that with talent, hard work, and dedication, the sky is the limit.
Mehek 
Deepika