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Sri Lankaof 2026 T20 World Cup Star all-rounder’s campaign suffers major setback Wanindu Hasalanga Missed the remaining games due to injury. The development was confirmed by the co-organizers after the wrist-spinner strained his left hamstring during the opener against Ireland in Colombo.
The injury not only disrupted Sri Lanka’s balance but also dealt an emotional blow to a team that relied heavily on Hasaranga’s winning prowess with bat and ball.
Wanindu Hasalanga shows courage despite visibly feeling unwell
Hasaranga injured in first match against Sri Lanka Ireland on Sunday (February 8) at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. After just one pitch, the 28-year-old left the court clutching his left hamstring and looking visibly uncomfortable.
What happened next, however, underscored his commitment to the country’s cause. Despite his poor health, Hasaranga completed his full quota of four rounds. He battled through injuries and took 3 for 25, playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s 20th consecutive victory. His wickets broke Ireland’s momentum at crucial moments and showed his fighting spirit.
However, it was clear something was wrong. Observers noted a decrease in his usual agility and sharpness on the court. A post-game medical evaluation confirmed that the injury required sufficient recovery time, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the game.
A place in Sri Lanka’s T20 setup
Hasaranga’s absence has left a major hole in Sri Lanka’s squad. He has become the core of their T20I attack over the years. He took 154 wickets in 95 matches and became Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker in the shortest format, a testament to his consistency and influence.
His performance on the global stage is particularly noteworthy. He topped the wicket-taking charts in consecutive T20 World Cups, taking 16 scalps in 2021 and 15 in 2022. These activities cemented his reputation as one of the premier leg-spinners in world cricket.
Statistics aside, Hasaranga’s ability to break up partnerships in midfield and contribute handy runs in the lower order makes him a rare all-rounder. Losing such a player midway through a major tournament will inevitably force a tactical reshuffle.
Ace spinner replacement announced
ICC technical committee has approved leg-spinner Dushan Golden Flower Serves as Hasalanga’s substitute for the remainder of the match.
Hermantha brings promise and recent international exposure despite being relatively inexperienced at the highest level. He played 5 ODIs and 3 T20Is for Sri Lanka and took 6 wickets in these matches. His last appearance came against Zimbabwe ahead of the Asia Cup in September, where he impressed with figures of 3 for 38 in the final ODI of the series.
The team management now hopes that Hemantha can step up and take responsibility in a high-pressure playing environment.
