WATCH: Wanindu Hasaranga takes out Justin Greaves with a peach in the CPL 2024

Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga delivered a masterclass in spin bowling for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots during their Caribbean Premier League (CPL 2024) clash against Antigua & Barbuda Falcons on Sunday, September 8. Despite Hasaranga’s remarkable performance, his efforts were not enough to secure a victory for his team as the Falcons narrowly clinched a two-wicket win in a nail-biting finish.

The dismissal of Justin Greaves: Wanindu Hasaranga’s dismissal

Chasing a target of 154 runs at Warner Park, the Falcons began their innings with confidence, reaching 79/1 after just seven overs. It was at this critical juncture that Hasaranga was introduced into the attack, and the leg-spinner immediately turned the tide in the Patriots’ favour.

Hasaranga’s impact was felt instantly, as he struck on just the second ball of his spell to dismiss the well-set Justin Greaves, who had already contributed a quickfire 30 runs off 16 balls. The delivery that accounted for Greaves was a testament to Hasaranga’s skill and craft.

The leg-spinner unleashed a vicious googly, a delivery that spun sharply back into the right-hander. Greaves, who had been looking solid at the crease, attempted to defend the ball but was completely deceived. The ball sneaked through the narrow gap between his bat and pad, crashing into the stumps and sending the bails flying. This wicket was pivotal as it broke the momentum of the Falcons’ chase and showcased Hasaranga’s ability to produce magic when his team needed it most.

Here’s the video:

Wanindu is awarded Dream11 MVP! Well done Chap 🙌🏾 #CPL24 #SKNPvABF #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Dream11 pic.twitter.com/sjwsp0K1Nu

— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 8, 2024

Also READ: Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024: Complete squads of all six teams

A spell of destruction: Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul

Building on the momentum from Greaves’ dismissal, Hasaranga continued to weave his web around the Falcons’ batters. He went on to claim the wickets of key players Sam Billings, Jewel Andrew and Shamar Springer, ending with outstanding figures of 4/16. His spell was not only economical but also filled with crucial breakthroughs that kept SKNP in the game. Billings, another dangerous batter, fell victim to Hasaranga’s guile, as he misjudged the flight and turn, resulting in a simple catch. Andrew and Springer were both outfoxed by Hasaranga’s variations, unable to read his deceptive deliveries.

A fighting cameo with the bat

In addition to his bowling heroics, Hasaranga also made a valuable contribution with the bat. Coming in at a difficult time after the Patriots had lost both their openers, Evin Lewis and skipper Andre Fletcher, Hasaranga played a crucial cameo of 23 runs from just 14 balls. His innings, though brief, helped the Patriots post a competitive total of 153/8.

Despite Hasaranga’s all-round performance, the Patriots’ campaign woes continued as the Falcons managed to chase down the target in 19.4 overs, eking out a two-wicket victory. Mikyle Louis was the standout performer with the bat for SKNP, scoring a brisk 63 off 36 deliveries, but it wasn’t enough to change their fortunes in the tournament.