Bangladesh seek left-handed solution to Hasaranga puzzle
Wanindu Hasaranga wheels away in celebration
Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga continues to be Bangladesh’s biggest headache in ODIs. After going wicketless in the first ODI of the March series in Chattogram, he picked up 6 wickets in the next two games.
On Thursday, at the Premadasa Stadium, he once again ran through the Bangladesh lineup, grabbing 4 wickets for just 10 runs. Over his last three ODIs against Bangladesh, Hasaranga has now claimed 10 wickets.
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Bangladesh were in a strong position at 96 for 1 after 16 overs, chasing 245. But after Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out, the collapse was swift. Hasaranga entered the attack and immediately dismissed Litton Das and half-centurion Tanzid Hasan Tamim in the same over, triggering a dramatic downfall.
The Tigers were bowled out for 167, losing by 77 runs after losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs — a collapse the team is now determined to learn from.
Speaking ahead of the second ODI, Tanzid Hasan said the team had a long meeting about how to counter Hasaranga. The key message: let the set batters finish the job, and let left-handers face Hasaranga more often.
“We had a detailed discussion after the last match,” Tanzid said.
“The coaches shared data. On this kind of wicket, set batters must finish the innings. It’s tough for new batters to come in against quality spin like theirs.”
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Statistically, Hasaranga has been more effective against right-handers. In 64 ODIs, 74 of his 103 wickets have been against right-handed batters. The team is now aiming to expose him more to lefties.
“Left-handers should face more balls against him. He’s not as effective against them as he is against right-handers. Hopefully, we can use this info in the next match.” Tanzid added.
Tanzid, who made 62 in the first ODI, stressed the importance of converting good starts into match-winning knocks.
“Shanto bhai and I had settled in well. If we had stayed for another 5–10 overs, the game would’ve opened up for us. That would’ve made it easier for the next batters.”
Looking ahead to the second ODI on July 5, Tanzid said the focus is fully on leveling the series, not looking too far ahead.
“It’s a three-match series. One is gone, two to go. But we’re not thinking about both—we’re just focused on the next match, which is crucial to stay alive in the series.”
