T20 World Cup 2026: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of marquee event with injury

Sri Lanka have suffered a massive blow as talismanic leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup after playing just one game.

The former Sri Lankan captain had a terrific outing in Sri Lanka's opening fixture in the marquee event against Ireland at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, February 8. He picked up three wickets and conceded just 25 runs in four overs. However, this will be his last contribution for the Island Nation, at least as a player.

An MRI scan on Tuesday revealed a serious tear in Hasaranga's left hamstring. If reports are to be believed, fellow leg-spin-bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemantha is leading the race to join Sri Lanka's squad as Hasaranga's replacement.

The 31-year-old has played five ODIs and three T20Is since making his international debut against Afghanistan in June 2023. Hemantha has four wickets to his name at an average of 22.25 and a strike rate of 17. He has an economy rate of 7.85 and best figures of 3/38. Meanwhile, in two outings with the bat, Hemantha has scored 21 runs.

Looking at his overall record in T20 cricket, the Colombo-born has 895 runs in 82 matches at an average of 17.21 and a strike rate of 120.94. With the ball, he has picked up 82 wickets at an average of 16.67 and a strike rate of 15.10. Hemantha has massive shoes to fill as he is in line to replace Hasaranga, who is a proven match-winner.

Sri Lanka started the T20 World Cup with a 20-run win against Ireland. They put on 163/6 in 20 overs on a tricky surface after being invited to bat first by Paul Stirling. Kusal Mendis top-scored with an unbeaten 56 for the home side. However, Kamindu Mendis was the star of the show with his 19-ball 44. In the second innings, Ireland were bowled out for 143. Apart from Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana also took a three-for.

Sri Lanka will return to action on Thursday, February 12, as they face Oman at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.