Colombo
Sri Lanka’s legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been sidelined from the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury during the second T20I in Dambulla, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Tuesday. Hasaranga, who returned to Colombo, is now undergoing rehabilitation at the High Performance Center.
Hasaranga delivered an impressive performance in the T20I series, taking six wickets, including four in the second match, and earned the Player of the Series title. This injury follows a previous hamstring issue he sustained in August against India, adding to his recent struggles with fitness.
Sri Lanka has called up Dushan Hemantha to replace Hasaranga for the ODI series. Hasaranga is the second major player ruled out of this series, with New Zealand’s pace bowler Lockie Ferguson also missing due to a calf injury.
In the second T20I, Hasaranga’s sharp bowling helped Sri Lanka dismiss New Zealand for 108. However, the Kiwis made a strong comeback with the ball, securing a five-run win and leveling the series 1-1. Reflecting on his injury after the game, Hasaranga expressed his disappointment, saying, ‘I wanted to bowl all my overs, but I couldn’t run, so I had to give my best with the bat.’
The ODI series begins on Wednesday in Dambulla, with further matches set for November 17 and 19 in Pallekele.
