Wanindu Hasaranga aims test cricket call-up with his 2nd ODI man of the series award

By Dhammika Ratnaweera

Wanidu Hasaranga the right arm leg spinner who bowled really well during the whole series was adjudged the man of the series by International commentary panel after Sri Lanka versus West Indies three-match ODI series which won by Sri Lanka 3-0 at the Pallekele International Stadium on Sunday.

It was a fine team effort by Sri Lankan team led by Dimuth Karunaratna. They beat West Indies by one wicket at the last over in the first one day at SSC grounds while Hasaranga was the man of the match with an unbeaten 42. The second game at Hambantota once again Sri Lankan beat Carribians by 161 runs with two youngsters Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis scoring superb hundreds. The third and final one day once again finished with a thrilling game as Sri Lankan won by 6 runs to whitewash the series.

Hasaranga the 22-year-old all-rounder has always been a player to watch in the team since his advent to the national side, He had always been very athletic on the field and come out with the best of performances. and when he gets the chance to bowl he shows confidence and does his part well.  “I wanted to make a good challenge against the batsmen. All my coaching staff and the seniors gave their fullest support and motivate always to get good result . Once I get the ball I always tried to adjust my pace and try to bowl straight to make trouble for the batsman and that was my method to get good results” explained Hasaranga.

Hasaranaga scored a useful 16 runs in 9 balls and later bowled bringing in pressure on the West Indies to complete his ten overs with Sunil Ambries wicket giving away 41 runs. His fielding was also outstanding throughout the series and he was very happy to be named man of the series with his superb performances. “I am very happy to get this major award with my performances and it was my hard work and that paved the way to get more success and happy share my duty for the team success,” said Hasaranga.

“I also won the man of the series award at the last Pakistan one day series and this time I am lucky to win the man of the match award at the first game and today man of the series and these awards always gave me a lot of confidence to play the game in future added Hasaranga.

The promising all-rounder said that he had still not get a chance to play test cricket but his aim is to play test cricket in future. He is aware that he has got to go a long journey and these performances always helpful to go forward added Hasaranga the former Richmond College and present CCC all-rounder.

 Meanwhile, the experienced Angelo Matthews who took four for  59 in his ten overs spell won the man of the match at the final one day game. He used his vast experience to make challenge with his right arm medium pace to struggle West Indies batsman. Especially after Nuwan Pradeep was injured during his bowling at his fifth over Matthews had to get big responsibility to cover the bowling department. “Actually my body feeling was good and was very happy to do my best service with the ball at this third game. I had a  horrible series with the bat and disappointed about that. But glad that I was able to contribute the ball and on the field.” said Angelo.

Matthews bowled a ten over spell in last time in 2015 July and this game he got that chance which favours the Sri Lankan team. “If the team needs me to do more of that, I will. Had to do it tonight especially when Pradeep got injured. Wasn’t easy against them, especially with the amount of T20 they play. You miss your length and it’ll go for six” added Matthews.

Wining skipper Dimuth Karunaratna was very happy to see 3-0 series win at this stage . He said this gave very good confidence for the future series. Mathews used his experience which is what I was expecting. Have to keep the teamwork going like we’ve done this series. This kind of matches give confidence. Beating West Indies 3-0 is not easy. We did small things right. Bowlers, batters, fielders put their hands up. Huge confidence boost for us going into the next series. We knew they can hit big sixes, that’s why we were talking about it in the end what to do. Mathews used his experience in the end, got a couple of wickets. Avishka and Kusal put their hands up in the second game to get hundreds, even this match they played positively. Mathews was outstanding with fielding and bowling pretty well. He looks like a younger man now. Want to keep this momentum for the England series as well added Karunaratna.

Sri Lanka earlier won the 3-0 series against West Indies in 2015 at home followed by 2019 against Bangladesh 3-0 series and second time they did that at Pallekele with grand style. After this ODI series Sri Lanka will play their T-20 two games against West Indies at Pallekele on 4th and 6th.

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