Hasaranga - Neymar - sportstiger

Picture Credit: Twitter/@RCBTweets

Royal Challengers Bangalore played a nail-biting thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday but finally pulled off a stunning victory by 3 wickets in a reasonably low score game, courtesy Dinesh Karthik's match-winning six. RCB put on a brilliant show from the start of the game as KKR's batting line-up crumbled down in front of an impressive bowling lineup of the Bangalore-based franchise.

Sri Lanka spin sensation Wanindu Hasaranga was a show stopper of the day as he hunted down four KKR batters in the game to restrict the Knight Riders at 128-10 in 20 overs. Hasaranga was bestowed with Player of the Match post-RCB victory and was highly applauded for his incredible performance.

While Hasaranga shone with the ball, his style of celebration after picking wickets grabbed a lot of limelight and became the talking point during the game. Post-match presentation, leggy informed that he imitates Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr's trademark celebration as the footballer is his favourite player.

"I admire Neymar a lot, and that is his celebration which I do", said the Sri Lanka cricketer. Hasaranga further added that he does not take any pressure in the game and likes to play with a free mind.

Notably, Hasaranga is not the only player seen copying footballers' celebrations. Md. Siraj impersonates Ronaldo's 'siu' celebration and several other cricketers imitate other football players celebration. Hasaranga also got a lot of recognition from Shreyas Iyer, one of his victims in the match. KKR skipper lauded the leggy, saying, "Initially, I was able to read him well, and we decided him to play as an off-spinner, but unfortunately, he bowled really good lines and lengths.."

Hasaranga finished the game with impressive numbers as he conceded just 20-runs in four overs while picking four crucial wickets. He maintained a remarkable economy of 5 in the game. RCB will next take on Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 5.