Match fixing? Wanindu Hasaranga’s bizarre hit-wicket dismissal in ENG vs SL clash sparks speculation

Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga’s bizarre hit-wicket dismissal during the third T20I <a href="https://cricket.international/top-3-india-women-players-to-watch-out-<a href="https://cricket.international/top-3-sri-lanka-women-players-to-watch-out-against-pakistan/” title=”Top 3: Sri Lanka Women Players to Watch Out Against Pakistan”>against-bangladesh/” title=”Top 3: India Women Players to Watch Out Against Bangladesh”>against England has sparked speculation on social media. Hasaranga was dismissed by Jofra Archer after his follow-through clipped the stumps, with the unusual dismissal prompting some fans to question the incident.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 124 in 18.5 overs at Old Trafford on September 19. England chased down the target in just 9.4 overs to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep and reclaim the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings. They also extended their winning streak against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 15 matches.

Rex Clementine Raises Questions Over Wanindu Hasaranga’s Bizarre Hit-Wicket

Sri Lankan cricket writer Rex Clementine has questioned Wanindu Hasaranga’s bizarre hit-wicket dismissal. Hasaranga was dismissed for seven after his bat clipped the bails while he attempted a big shot against Jofra Archer, with the unusual incident drawing attention on social media.

“Been thinking about the Wanindu Hasaranga hit wicket last night. Initially felt like it was just one of those things in cricket, but seems the dismissal has raised more than a few eyebrows.”

https://x.com/RexClementine/status/2101563179549729130

Wanindu Hasaranga attempted to swipe a slower, back-of-a-length delivery across the line but missed the ball. His bat continued around his body during the follow-through and struck the leg stump. Archer initially appeared unaware that he had taken a wicket before Hasaranga walked off.

https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2101332547930124637

Jos Buttler and Harry Brook Power England to 3-0 T20I Series Sweep

England reached 126/2 in just 9.4 overs to complete an eight-wicket victory. Jos Buttler and Harry Brook added 85 runs from only 39 balls after England lost an early wicket.

Buttler continued his strong series with an unbeaten 62 off 32 balls, finishing the chase with a six over square leg. Brook scored 29 before being run out, but England had already reduced the target to a formality by then.

England raced to 82/1 after six overs and brought up 100 in the eighth over. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the attack, with Nuwan Thushara conceding 29 runs in two overs, Eshan Malinga giving away 34 in 1.4 overs and Dilshan Madushanka conceding 23 in two overs.

Pathum Nissanka and Sonny Baker Shine as Sri Lanka’s Struggles Continue

Pathum Nissanka provided Sri Lanka’s only real momentum at the top of the order, scoring 36 off 24 balls, while Mendis added 35 from 28. However, England kept taking wickets and restricted Sri Lanka to their lowest first-innings T20I total at Old Trafford since 2018.

Sri Lanka’s seven sixes provided brief moments of aggression, but they failed to turn them into sustained scoring periods. Their 15-run second over was the only over that produced significant momentum during the innings.

Interim captain Charith Asalanka also endured another difficult outing, scoring only 10 runs after making 16 and 31 in the first two matches. He has scored just 312 runs in 22 T20Is over the past two years.

Baker was England’s standout bowler, finishing with 2/17 in 3.5 overs and winning the Player of the Match award. He completed the series with six wickets at an economy rate of 3.71, giving England another promising pace option.

Source: cricketaddictor.com