Ajantha Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga and Lasith Malinga (Source: @ICC/X.com, @StarSportsIndia/X.com)
There have been many bowlers in history who have represented Sri Lanka and done wonders on the field with the ball. The 1996 World Cup champions, apart from being a top batting side, also had a wonderful bowling lineup.
In Sri Lankan cricket history, there have been numerous players who have been exceptional with the ball, while only some have achieved the remarkable feat of picking up 100 wickets, particularly in ODI cricket. Therefore, in this article, we will have a look at the players who were the quickest to 100 wickets in ODIs for Sri Lanka in history by matches.
3. Lasith Malinga - 68 Matches
The third player on the list is one of the finest pacers to hold a cricket ball. The "Slinga" Lasith Malinga was a menace to batters with his unique action that made it difficult to judge the ball's trajectory. A former right-arm fast bowler, who debuted in 2004 and achieved the feat of picking his 100th wicket in 2010 against New Zealand at Dambulla, which was his 68th one-day international game.
The now-retired pacer bowled a crucial spell of 3 for 35 in his 10 overs, helping Sri Lanka bowl out New Zealand for a paltry 192 as they chased the target in under 41 overs and won with just three wickets remaining, earning a crucial victory in a thrilling encounter in the second game of the series.
Malinga's 100th wicket in this game was Martin Guptill, who was caught as he registered a golden duck in the very first over of the innings. Malinga, who had done the impossible the most number of times, played 226 ODI matches overall, picking a whopping 338 wickets at an average of 28.87 with an economy of 5.35, as he grabbed eight five-wicket hauls overall. The right-arm pacer last played in an ODI against Bangladesh in 2019, after which he bid adieu to his successful one-day cricket career.
2. Wanindu Hasaranga - 64 Matches
The number two player on the list is a new entrant, in the form of a spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga. Playing a crucial role for Sri Lanka since his debut in the ODI format in 2017, Hasaranga, who has featured in 64 matches so far, has picked up 103 wickets.
In the recently concluded match against Bangladesh, Hasaranga bowled an unbelievable spell of 4 for 10 in his 7.5 overs, as he helped Sri Lanka bowl out Bangladesh for just 167, securing a victory by 77 runs.
Hasaranga's 100th wicket in ODI cricket was Litton Das, whom he trapped in front of the stumps for a duck after the batter faced four deliveries but couldn't find an answer to Hasaranga's spin. The spinner has been a crucial part of the Sri Lankan side since his debut and has done a tremendous job so far in one-day cricket, with him now being the second fastest to 100 wickets in one-day cricket for Sri Lanka.
1. Ajantha Mendis - 63 Matches
At number one on this list is Sri Lanka's former mystery spinner, who was one of the most difficult bowlers ever to read from the hand, Ajantha Mendis. Making his debut in 2008, Ajantha took his 100th wicket in 2013 against South Africa at Pallekele, which was his 63rd one-day game, as he bowled wonderfully well, picking figures of 3 for 35. In his 10 overs, he helped his side restrict Africa to 223, as this was one of his many magical spells.
However, despite the best efforts from the Island nation, Lanka couldn't chase Proteas' target of 224 and were folded for just 167 inside 44 overs, as the visitors gained victory by 56 runs. In spite of that, this match is remembered for Mendis' 100th wicket that came after a tremendous spell in one-day cricket.
In his overall career, Mendis went on to play 87 matches and picked a total of 152 wickets in one-day cricket at an average of 21.86 while bowling at an economy of 4.80, as he also had three five-wicket hauls to his name.
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