Asitha Fernando broke the 28-year-old record of Chaminda Vaas by becoming the fastest Sri Lankan fast bowler to take 100 wickets achieving it in 48 innings.
Fernando reached that landmark when he had Saud Shakeel caught behind by Kusal Mendis for 93 on the second day of the first Test at Rawalpindi yesterday. The legendary Vaas took three innings more than Fernando to reach that mark in 1998.
In addition to the record, Fernando also has the best bowling average amongst the six fast bowlers from Sri Lanka who have crossed the 100-wicket mark in Test cricket. He averages 27.01 from 29 matches compared to 29.58 from 111 Tests (355 wickets) by Vaas.
Overall, Fernando is the 10th bowler from Sri Lanka to surpass 100 Test wickets. The list includes four spinners – Muttiah Muralitharan 800 wickets, Rangana Herath 433, Dilruwan Perera 161 and Prabath Jayasuriya 134. (ST)
SRI LANKA FAST BOWLERS QUICKEST TO 100 TEST WICKETS
1. Asitha Fernando – 48 innings
2. Chaminda Vaas – 51 innings
3. Lahiru Kumara – 58 innings
4. Lasith Malinga – 59 innings
5. Dilhara Fernando – 68 innings
6. Suranga Lakmal – 79 innings
BEST BOWLING AVERAGE OF SRI LANKA FAST BOWLERS WITH 100+ TEST WICKETS
1. Asitha Fernando – 29 Tests, 100 Wickets, Avg. 27.0
2. Chaminda Vaas – 111 Tests, 355 Wickets, Avg. 29.58
3. Lasith Malinga – 30 Tests, 101 Wickets, Avg. 33.15
4. Suranga Lakmal – 70 Tests, 171 Wickets, Avg. 36.44
5. Lahiru Kumara – 38 Tests, 107 Wickets, Avg. 37.33
6. Dilhara Fernando – 40 Tests, 100 Wickets, Avg. 37.84