Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a masterclass in spin bowling for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots throughout their Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2024) conflict in opposition to Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday, September 8. Regardless of Hasaranga’s outstanding efficiency, his efforts weren’t sufficient to safe a victory for his crew because the Falcons narrowly clinched a two-wicket win in a nail-biting end.
The dismissal of Justin Greaves: Wanindu Hasaranga’s dismissal
Chasing a goal of 154 runs at Warner Park, the Falcons started their innings with confidence, reaching 79/1 after simply seven overs. It was at this crucial juncture that Hasaranga was launched into the assault, and the leg-spinner instantly turned the tide within the Patriots’ favour.
Hasaranga’s affect was felt immediately, as he struck on simply the second ball of his spell to dismiss the well-set Justin Greaves, who had already contributed a quickfire 30 runs off 16 balls. The supply that accounted for Greaves was a testomony to Hasaranga’s ability and craft.
The leg-spinner unleashed a vicious googly, a supply that spun sharply again into the right-hander. Greaves, who had been wanting stable on the crease, tried to defend the ball however was utterly deceived. The ball sneaked by means of the slender hole between his bat and pad, crashing into the stumps and sending the bails flying. This wicket was pivotal because it broke the momentum of the Falcons’ chase and showcased Hasaranga’s capacity to provide magic when his crew wanted it most.
Right here’s the video:
Wanindu is awarded Dream11 MVP! Effectively completed Chap 🙌🏾 #CPL24 #SKNPvABF#CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Dream11 pic.twitter.com/sjwsp0K1Nu
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 8, 2024
Additionally READ: Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024: Full squads of all six groups
A spell of destruction: Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul
Constructing on the momentum from Greaves’ dismissal, Hasaranga continued to weave his internet across the Falcons’ batters. He went on to assert the wickets of key gamers Sam Billings, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer, ending with excellent figures of 4/16. His spell was not solely economical but additionally full of essential breakthroughs that saved SKNP within the recreation. Billings, one other harmful batter, fell sufferer to Hasaranga’s guile, as he misjudged the flight and switch, leading to a easy catch. Andrew and Springer have been each outfoxed by Hasaranga’s variations, unable to learn his misleading deliveries.
A combating cameo with the bat
Along with his bowling heroics, Hasaranga additionally made a helpful contribution with the bat. Coming in at a tough time after the Patriots had misplaced each their openers, Evin Lewis and skipper Andre Fletcher, Hasaranga performed an important cameo of 23 runs from simply 14 balls. His innings, although temporary, helped the Patriots submit a aggressive complete of 153/8.
Regardless of Hasaranga’s all-round efficiency, the Patriots’ marketing campaign woes continued because the Falcons managed to chase down the goal in 19.4 overs, eking out a two-wicket victory. Mikyle Louis was the standout performer with the bat for SKNP, scoring a brisk 63 off 36 deliveries, however it wasn’t sufficient to alter their fortunes within the match.