Mickey Arthur was in all-praise for Wanindu Hasaranga, whose all-round brilliance helped Sri Lanka defeat Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2022 final on September 11.
The Lankan Lions defeated Pakistan by 23 runs in the Asia Cup 2022 final in Dubai on Sunday to clinch their sixth title. At a venue known to favour the side batting second, Sri Lanka stood at 58/5 in the ninth over after being put in, before a remarkable recovery act followed.
Hasaranga scored a valuable 36 off 21 in a crucial 58-run stand with Bhanuka Rajapaksha, setting it up for a strong finish. The latter’s well-compiled unbeaten 71 off 45, helped Sri Lanka post a challenging 170/6.
Hasaranga would later dent Pakistan’s chase completely in the 17th over of the chase, dismissing a well-set Mohammad Rizwan, Asif Ali and Khushdil Shah within a space of five balls to set it up for a 23-run win.
Arthur, who had observed Hasaranga closely during his coaching stint with the Sri Lankan team from February 2020 to December 2021, was highly impressed with the 25-year-old.
“He is a big-match player, he loves playing on the edge.. he loves playing on the big stage,”
Arthur said on ESPNcricinfo show T20 Time:Out.
“That partnership he had with Bhanuka was superb, he allowed Bhanuka to slow down and be there till the end.
“And then three wickets in an over (in the run-chase).. he stands up when the going gets tough and that is one thing I’ve always liked about Wanindu Hasaranga.
“From the moment I’ve seen him, no moment (in the game) is too big for him. When the pressure is on, he gets stuck in and does the job for you. He is very reliable and I knew he would come good today.”
Hasaranga finished with nine wickets at 18.89 and the valuable batting contributions helped him bag the Player of the Series award.
“Wanindu sits on the line, he is a very confident cricketer. Such cricketers back themselves when the going gets tough, they back themselves in high-pressure situations. They are almost like a showman, they are almost like actors.. (it’s in these occasions) they are at their best and Wanindu posseses those qualities within him,”
Arthur added.
