T20 World Cup 2022: Muttiah Muralitharan lavishes praise on Wanindu Hasaranga

Wanindu Hasaranga (PC: Twitter)

The legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan thinks Wanindu Hasaranga can be an asset to Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup slated to be played in Australia from next month. 

Hasaranga has been exceptional with his performances this year after recovering from COVID-19 and injury issues. 

The IPL 2022 witnessed the 25-year-old emerging as the second-highest wicket-taker with 26 scalps in 16 appearances for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). His performances certainly paved the way for RCB to seal the playoff spot as well. 

In the recently concluded Asia Cup, Hasaranga was named Player of the Tournament for his contribution of nine wickets and 66 runs with the willow. In fact, he took three wickets in a single over against Pakistan in the Finals, which helped the Lions to lift the title. 

In this regard, Muralitharan thinks Hasaranga can be a risky bowler to go against in Australia due to his sideways spin and bounce. 

Here is what Muralitharan said:

"I think Hasaranga will be a difficult opponent to bat against, because you have to be careful facing him. 

"He is a great T20 bowler. He has been very successful, which is why he has played for Bangalore as well. He has done great things in last 2-3 years.

In the end, the 50-year-old hopes Sri Lanka will continue their rich vein of form in the T20 WC as well. 

However, the Dasun Shanaka-led side will have to produce strong performances in the first round of matches to qualify into the Super-12 stage. They could not secure a direct entry into the show-piece tournament due to their T20I rankings at the cut-off time.

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