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Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup Blow: Star All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out

Sri Lanka has suffered a major setback as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to a left hamstring injury. The injury was sustained during Sri Lanka's opening victory against Ireland, where Hasaranga played a decisive role by taking 3 wickets for 25 runs. He is likely to be replaced in the squad by fellow leg-spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha. Hasaranga's absence is a significant loss given his outstanding record of 40 wickets in previous T20 World Cups.

Key Points: Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of T20 World Cup Due to Injury

  • Hasaranga injured in opening match
  • MRI confirms left hamstring issue
  • Likely replaced by Dushan Hemantha
  • Was key in win over Ireland
2 min read

Major blow for Sri Lanka as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of T20 World Cup with injury

Sri Lanka's star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury, a major setback for the team's campaign.

"Hasaranga's loss is a substantial blow to Sri Lanka's campaign. - ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, February 10

Sri Lanka suffers a major blow as their star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained during their opening match against Ireland in Colombo.

The 28-year-old, who played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's 20-run win against Ireland, underwent an MRI scan confirming the injury. Hasaranga has battled injury for several years now, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Hasaranga completed his spell, taking 3 for 25 in four overs to derail Ireland's spirited chase of 164. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to approve a replacement, but Hasaranga is likely to be replaced in the squad by fellow leg-spin bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemantha.

Hemantha, 31, has played five ODIs and three T20Is for the Lankans so far, picking up six wickets at a T20 economy rate of 7.85.

Hasaranga's loss is a substantial blow to Sri Lanka's campaign, nevertheless. He is the team's most accomplished bowler in this format, and has been outstanding with the ball at T20 World Cups, taking 40 wickets and maintaining an economy rate of 6.01 across 20 innings.

Sri Lanka kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign with a convincing 20-run win over Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium. Kamindu Mendis' explosive 44 off 19 balls and Kusal Mendis' unbeaten 56 helped Sri Lanka recover from a shaky start to post 163/6. However, it was Hasaranga's crucial spell that swung the match in Sri Lanka's favour, taking 3/25 and playing a decisive role in the victory.

Sri Lanka's second group game is against Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, followed by Australia on February 16 in Pallekele, and finally Zimbabwe in Colombo (RPS) on February 19.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Such a shame. He was the key player for them. Injuries are the worst part of modern sport. Dushan Hemantha has big shoes to fill. Hope the Lankan team can rally together.
A
Aman W
From an Indian fan's perspective, this does change the dynamics of the tournament slightly. He was a genuine match-winner who could single-handedly win games. Tough break for our neighbours.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while this is a huge loss, the article focuses a lot on one player. Cricket is a team sport. This is a chance for someone like Hemantha to become a hero. Sri Lanka still has a strong unit.
V
Vikram M
Yaar, this is terrible news just as the World Cup is heating up. His economy of 6.01 in T20 WCs is insane! Get well soon, champion. The tournament is poorer without him.
K
Karthik V
His injury history is becoming a real concern. At 28, he should be at his peak. Sri Lankan cricket board needs to manage their stars better. Wishing Hemantha all the best for the big stage!

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