By Zainab Shafiq 
Wanindu Hasaranga, the talented leg-break spinner from Sri Lanka, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming only the second bowler in the history of One Day Internationals (ODIs) to record the most consecutive five-wicket hauls.
This distinction was previously held by the legendary Pakistani paceman, Waqar Younis. Hasaranga’s exceptional performance played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory over Ireland in the ongoing ODI World Cup Qualifiers, where they won by a massive margin of 133 runs.
Batting first in the crucial encounter, the Sri Lankan team posted a mammoth total of 325 runs in 49.5 overs, largely thanks to a magnificent century by Dimuth Karunaratne. Karunaratne’s quickfire 103 off 103 balls propelled the team’s score, with valuable contributions from Sadeera Samarawickrama (38 runs) and Dhananjaya de Silva (42* runs).
During Ireland’s run-chase, Wanindu Hasaranga showcased his brilliance by dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup. His mesmerizing spin resulted in him claiming five wickets for 79 runs in his allotted 10 overs, maintaining a decent economy rate of 7.90. This incredible feat marked his third consecutive five-wicket haul in ODI cricket, placing him in an elite group of bowlers who have achieved such a remarkable feat.
Sri Lanka’s dominant performance against Ireland secured their ticket to the 2023 ODI World Cup, which will be held in India later this year. On the other hand, the defeat dashed Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the mega event. Curtis Campher top-scored for Ireland with 39 runs, followed by Harry Tector, who contributed 33 runs to the team’s total of a mere 192 runs.
With their qualification to the Super Six stage, the Sri Lankan team will now focus on solidifying their spot in the upcoming ICC tournament. Their outstanding display against Ireland has undoubtedly boosted their confidence as they aim to make a strong impact in the ODI World Cup.
Victoria Hamilton 
Madhavam