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Wanindu Hasaranga Gets Taste Of 'Naagin' Before Sri Lanka Vs Bangladesh Asia Cup Match

Arnav Chopra

Wanindu Hasaranga and Bangladesh Fans (Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com)Wanindu Hasaranga and Bangladesh Fans (Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com)

Sri Lanka's star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been one of the most prolific players from the Island nation in recent times. Ahead of the crucial clash against Bangladesh, Hasaranga got a taste of the infamous "Naagin" rivalry by Bangladesh fans in Abu Dhabi.

Wanindu Hasaranga Teased By Fans In Abu Dhabi

On Thursday evening at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where the Sri Lankan team arrived for a practice session ahead of their crucial clash against Bangladesh, one player received some words from the opposition fans' camp.

It was a clash between Bangladesh and Hong Kong at the same venue of Group B on Thursday when, ahead of the game, all Bangladeshi players were practising, while the Sri Lankan team were at the venue much earlier to have practice sessions.

However, the major point of contention came when the Sri Lankan team, especially Wanindu Hasaranga, who was at the venue near the boundary line, heard some fans shouting "Naagin, Naagin" at him.

He initially didn't react, but later got to know and gave a quirky smile in reply, which didn't bother him much. The fans were there to witness the Bangladesh-Hong Kong clash, but were trying to get under the skin of the Sri Lankan side, who Bangladesh will face in the coming days.

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh Brace Up For Renewed Rivalry

Incidentally, this rivalry dates back to 2018, during the Nidhas Trophy, when both teams had a fiery encounter. Since then, both teams have played strongly against each other in the most competitive manner.

For the unversed, Sri Lanka will open their Asia Cup 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on Saturday, September 13th, in Abu Dhabi, where these sides will be preparing hard for their much-anticipated clash.

Ahead of the game, when reporters asked Hasaranga if he was ready for the rivalry, "Are you fully prepared for this rivalry?"  To which his reply was: "Bangladesh media? No comments," after knowing they were from Bangladesh.

Incidentally, Hasaranga has had a solid impact against the Bangladesh side, with six wickets in four matches so far in T20Is. His exercise of building pressure on the opposition has proved fruitful, as the batters have succumbed to the pressure, especially on the opposite end when Hasaranga is bowling.