[Watch] Wanindu Hasaranga cleans up Justin Greaves with a vicious googly in SKNP vs ABF match of CPL 2024
Sri Lankan leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the bowlers for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots (SKNP) in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2024) match against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons (ABF) on Sunday, September 8. The bowler bagged a stunning four-wicket haul in the contest.
The Falcons were required to chase down a 154-run target at Warner Park. They got off to a fantastic start and were 79/1 after seven overs when Hasaranga came into the attack.
The crafty spinner struck on the second ball of his spell, sending back the well-set Justin Greaves (30 runs off 16 balls). Hasaranga dished out a vicious googly to the right-handed batter.
Greaves tried to defend the ball. However, he was comprehensively beaten and the ball crashed into the stumps after going through the gap between bat and pad. You can watch the video of the dismissal below:
Wanindu Hasaranga also claimed the wickets of Sam Billings, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer to finish with brilliant figures of 4-0-16-4. However, his heroics went in vain as the Falcons eked out a two-wicket victory, chasing down the total in 19.4 overs.
"I couldn't have asked for any better" - SKNP skipper Andre Fletcher on Mikyle Louis and Wanindu Hasaranga's batting exploits
SKNP were off to a dismal start after being asked to bat first by ABF, losing both their openers Evin Lewis and skipper Andre Fletcher early. Apart from his fantastic spell, Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with a crucial 23-run cameo from 14 balls.
Miklye Louis was the top performer with the bat for SKNP, scoring 63 runs off 36 deliveries. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Fletcher pointed out how Hasaranga and Louis brought the side back into the game with their batting exploits.
He said:
"It was a difficult wicket to start with, but the way Hasaranga and Louis played to put us back on track with the bat, I couldn't have asked for any better. They had a good powerplay, but I must say that the guys fought hard. (On Louis) We all know that he can bat and I said to him to go out there and feel free and try his best to play his best match-up. Told him not to doubt himself and play as free as possible."
SKNP have had a terrible campaign so far. They continue to languish at the bottom of the points table with just a solitary win to their name after six outings.