Sri Lanka’s star legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand due to a hamstring injury. The 26-year-old sustained the injury while bowling during the second T20I between the two sides in Dambulla on Sunday and was visibly hampered as he struggled through his later overs. Hasaranga was also seen limping while running between the wickets, and subsequent medical assessments have confirmed the injury will keep him out of the limited-overs series.
In Hasaranga’s absence, Sri Lanka has called up legspin-bowling allrounder Dushan Hemantha as his replacement for the ODI series. Hemantha, who has played five ODIs for Sri Lanka, has been in strong form recently, impressing with the Sri Lanka A team. His selection provides depth to Sri Lanka’s spin department, which still includes the experienced Jeffrey Vandersay, along with Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage as the other frontline spinners.
Hasaranga’s absence will be a major blow for Sri Lanka, as he had been one of the standout performers in the T20I series. The dynamic allrounder played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series win over New Zealand, claiming remarkable figures of 4 for 17 in the second T20I, following up on his 2 for 20 in the opening match. With the bat, Hasaranga also contributed with an important knock of 22 off 23 balls in the first T20I, showcasing his value as both a bowler and a lower-order batter.
Sri Lanka will now look to adapt to Hasaranga’s absence as they prepare for the three-match ODI series, which begins on Wednesday in Dambulla. The remaining two matches of the series will be played in Pallekele. Sri Lanka will be hoping that their remaining spinners, including Hemantha, can step up in the absence of their premier bowler.
Injury Woes for Both Teams
Hasaranga is not the only player to be ruled out of the series due to injury. New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is also unavailable after picking up a calf injury in the second T20I. Ferguson’s absence has led to the inclusion of Adam Milne in the squad as a replacement.
The ODI series, which follows Sri Lanka’s 2-0 victory in the T20I leg, promises to be a closely contested affair, with both teams dealing with significant injury setbacks ahead of the matches.
The first ODI will be held in Dambulla on Wednesday, with the series continuing in Pallekele later in the week.
