Kandy, Sri Lanka – A significant blow has been dealt to Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign with the confirmed injury withdrawal of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The 28-year-old has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to a serious hamstring tear sustained during Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland on Sunday.
The injury, revealed after an MRI scan on Monday and subsequently reviewed by a specialist in the UK, is understood to be related to previous hamstring issues Hasaranga has battled throughout his career. He impressed in the win over Ireland, taking 3 for 25 in four overs, but the damage proved too significant to allow him to continue in the competition.
Hasaranga’s absence represents a substantial loss for the co-hosts. He is widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s most accomplished bowler in the T20 format, boasting an impressive record of 40 wickets in 20 innings at an economy rate of just 6.01 in T20 World Cups. He has also taken a total of 154 international wickets in T20 cricket, placing him fifth on the all-time list.
The International Cricket Council has approved Dushan Hemantha as Hasaranga’s replacement in the squad. The 31-year-old Hemantha, a fellow leg-spinning all-rounder, has limited international experience, having played only three T20Is and taken four wickets at an economy rate of 7.85. Sri Lanka’s squad options are further constrained by a lack of reserve spinners, potentially leading to Hemantha being immediately inserted into the starting XI.
The timing of Hasaranga’s injury is particularly unfortunate for Sri Lanka, as he had proven to be a challenging opponent for Australia. In 13 white-ball matches against the Australians, Hasaranga has claimed 21 wickets at an average of just 13.45, including a standout performance of 4 for 33 in Colombo in 2022. Australia and Sri Lanka are drawn in Group B, with their pivotal clash scheduled for next Monday in Kandy.
This development comes as a boost for Australia, who were facing a tricky match-up against the in-form Hasaranga. Australian captain Mitch Marsh has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to lift the trophy despite a number of injury concerns within the squad. Australia opens its campaign against Ireland in Colombo on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka’s injury woes extend beyond Hasaranga, with fast bowler Eshan Malinga previously ruled out of the tournament after dislocating his shoulder. The team will need to rely on other members of the squad to step up and fill the void left by these key players.
Sri Lanka’s next match is against Oman in Kandy on Thursday. The hosts will be looking to build on their opening victory and navigate a challenging tournament without one of their most influential players. The loss of Hasaranga undoubtedly complicates their path to progression from Group B, which also includes Australia and Zimbabwe.
The injury to Hasaranga highlights the physical demands of international cricket and the constant challenges teams face in managing player fitness throughout major tournaments. His absence will be keenly felt by Sri Lanka, both on and off the field, as they attempt to compete for a place in the latter stages of the T20 World Cup.
