Mahela Jayawardene compares Wanindu Hasaranga with Malinga

Wanindu Hasaranga will be crucial for Sri Lanka Down Under [PC: Twitter]

Sri Lanka over the years have produced multiple mystery spinners who have baffled batters across formats. Last year at the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga cooked up a storm to become the tournament's leading wicket-taker ahead of the like of Rashid Khan, and Adam Zampa.

Hasaranga continued his rich form for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League, claiming 26 wickets. Hasaranga was instrumental in Sri Lanka's Asia Cup 2022 title win, chipping in with nine wickets and scoring 66 valuable runs across the tourney, including a 36 in the final.

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene in a recent interview with the ICC likened the leg-spinner to former Lankan legend Lasith Malinga.  The 45-year-old lauded the bowling all-rounder for his maturity and role as a leader in the team.

"The most important thing is, once they cross the field, like Lasith, he is a competitor – that’s what I love about him.

He is still young and (there is) a lot of cricket in front of him. So long as he understands what needs to be done and be competitive out there, that’s the most important thing."

Jayawardene is appointed a consultant coach for the Sri Lankan national side for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022.

The Lankan Lions play their opening World Cup encounter against Namibia on October 16. 

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