Another legend of Sri Lankan Cricket, Lasith Malinga retired from One day international after playing the 1st ODI match against Bangladesh at Colombo on 26th July 2019. In his first final ODI match, the Yorker specialist picked the final wicket of Mustafizur Rahman to his end 50 over glittering career to an end.

Malinga made his One-day international debut for Sri Lanka against the United Arab Emirates in 2004. He took a total of 338 wickets from 226 matches (220 innings) with an economy of 5.35 runs per over. Known as Slinga Malinga, he played with Sri Lankan greats like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayewardene, TM Dilshan which made life tough for the opposition batsmen.

The cricketing fans were treated to magical moments from Lasith Malinga in ODI cricket. After picking 3 wickets in the match against Bangladesh, Malinga surpassed Anil Kumble to become the 9th leading wicket-taker in ODI cricket.

Here we look at the top 5 moments of Lasith Malinga in ODI cricket

1. Picking 4 wickets in 4 balls against South Africa in World Cup 2007

Lasith Malinga achieved the milestone of picking 4 wickets off 4 balls during Super Eight match against South Africa at Providence Stadium, Guyana on 28th March 2007.
Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayewardene won the toss and decided to bat first. It was a disappointing batting performance by the Lankan side as were bowled out for 209 in 49.3 overs. Dilshan (58) and Russell Arnold were the top scorers for Sri Lanka.

South Africa was cruising at one stage at 206 for 5. Lasith Malinga dismissed Shaun Pollock, Andrew Hall in the 45th over. In the 47th over, he dismissed Jacques Kallis to pick up a hattrick and then dismissed Ntini to give Sri Lanka hopes of winning the match. South Africa held their nerves and won the match by 1 wicket with 10 balls to spare. Lasith Malinga was awarded the joint man of the match with Charl Langeveldt.

2. The only bowler to pick 3 hattricks in ODI’s

Lasith Malinga is the only bowler in One-day internationals to pick up 3 hattricks. Out of the 3 hattricks, two of them have come during World Cups. His first hat-trick came against South Africa in 2007, where he took 4 wickets off 4 balls. Despite his efforts, Sri Lanka lost the match by 1 wicket.

In the 2011 World Cup, Malinga took his 2nd hattrick against Kenya on March 1st. He got wickets of Ongondo, Ngoche, and Elijah to dismiss Kenya for 142. Sri Lanka won that match by 9 wickets. For his match-winning spell, Malinga was awarded the man of the match.

In August 2011, Malinga became the only bowler in ODI cricket to pick 3 hattricks. The 3rd hattrick came against Australia at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. He took wickets of Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings and Xavier Doherty with great Yorkers. Malinga finished with figures of 3 for 35.

3. Third highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in ODI’s

Lasith Malinga finished his ODI career as the third-highest wicket-taker in One-day internationals. After making his ODI debut for Sri Lanka in 2004, Malinga has performed well daily.
Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket for Sri Lanka with 523 which is followed by Chaminda Vaas who took 399 wickets. It has been a remarkable performance by Malinga who delivered for the captains he has played under.

Malinga took 5 wickets in a match 10 times while 4 wickets haul in ODI cricket 11 times. Despite struggling with injuries in recent times, the Yorker specialist made life tough for the opposition batsmen.

4. Third leading wicket-taker in World Cup history

Lasith Malinga finished as the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history. He took a total of 56 wickets from 29 matches. He made his World Cup debut in 2007 and created a lot of impact for Sri Lanka in that tournament.

Sri Lanka reached the finals of World Cup 2007 losing to Australia in the finals. Again in 2011, Malinga performed brilliantly and helped Lanka reach the finals again losing to hosts India.

He could not perform according to expectations in the 2015 World Cup where Lanka lost to South Africa in the quarterfinals. In the recently concluded 2019 WC, Lasith Malinga finished as the leading wicket-taker for Sri Lanka with 13 wickets.
Glenn McGrath is the leading wicket-taker in World Cup history with 71 wickets followed by Muralitharan with 68 wickets.

5. Highest score by a Sri Lankan batsman batting at number 10

Lasith Malinga also has the record of the highest score by a Sri Lankan batsman batting at number 10 against Australia in the 3rd ODI played at MCG on 3rd November 2010. A good bowling display by Sri Lanka restricted Australia to 239 for 8 in 50 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka was tottering at 107 for 8. Malinga played a gem of innings for Sri Lanka scoring 56 off 48 balls and added 132 runs for the 9th wicket with Mathews. Sri Lanka won the match by 1 wicket with 34 balls to spare. Mathews remained not out on 77. Australia won the series by 2-1.