Tharindu Ratnayake Becomes 1st Bowler to Take T20I Wickets with Both Arms, Achieves Feat During IND vs SL Asian Games 2026 Cricket Match
Sri Lanka's Tharindu Ratnayake created history by becoming the first bowler to claim T20 International wickets with both arms during the Asian Games 2026 semi-final against India on October 1, 2026. The unique ambidextrous feat at Korogi Sports Park, Nisshin, saw him dismiss Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube.
In a truly unprecedented moment for T20 International cricket, Sri Lanka's Tharindu Ratnayake has become the first bowler to claim wickets with both his right and left arms in the same match. The historic feat unfolded during the second semi-final of the Asian Games 2026 against India at the Korogi Sports Park today. 'Hold My Bat', Netizens Hail Ishan Kishan For Crucial 80-Run Knock in IND vs SL Asian Games 2026 Cricket Semifinal.
Tharindu Ratnayake Creates T20I History
Sanju Samson out to left-arm spin.
Shivam Dube out to right-arm off spin.
Both dismissed by the same bowler.
Tharindu Rathnayake is now the first bowler to take wickets in a T20I using both arms. He also remains the only bowler to do so in test cricket (2025 vs B’desh)
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) October 1, 2026
A Historic Feat Unfolds
Ratnayake, renowned for his rare ambidextrous bowling, showcased his unique skill by dismissing two key Indian batsmen from opposite ends of his bowling repertoire. His first victim was India's wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson, who was bowled for 7 runs. Later in the innings, Ratnayake returned to dismiss Shivam Dube, caught by Sahan Arachchige for a mere 3 runs. This dual-arm exploit marks a significant milestone in the annals of T20I cricket, highlighting a rare versatility previously unseen at this level.
His impressive spell saw him return figures of 2 for 32 from his four overs, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka's bowling effort against a strong Indian lineup.
India Sets Challenging Target
Earlier in the match, after Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl, India posted a formidable total of 169 for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a superb unbeaten knock of 80 runs from just 46 balls by Ishan Kishan, who adorned his innings with 4 fours and 5 sixes. Other notable contributions came from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (38 off 21 balls) and captain Shreyas Iyer (13 off 13 balls).
Sri Lanka's bowlers had a mixed outing, with Sahan Arachchige also picking up two wickets alongside Ratnayake's historic double. Lasith Croospulle and Nuwanidu Fernando chipped in with a wicket each. 'Who is S Vishwanadh?' Fans React as Asian Games Broadcaster Uses Passport Names for Sanju Samson, Others.
Sri Lanka's Uphill Chase
In response, Sri Lanka faced an immediate onslaught from the Indian bowlers. At the time of this report, Sri Lanka were struggling at 18 for 5 wickets after 4 overs, facing an uphill battle to chase down India's challenging target. Jasprit Bumrah and Axar Patel led the charge for India with two wickets each, putting Sri Lanka under immense pressure early in their innings. The focus, however, remains firmly on Ratnayake's individual brilliance and his groundbreaking achievement.
Tharindu Ratnayake's ambidextrous bowling had been a point of curiosity and excitement, and his ability to translate that rare talent into match-winning performances by taking T20I wickets with both arms in a high-profile semi-final will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of cricketers and forever be remembered as a unique moment in the sport.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 12:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
