Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out Of T20 World Cup 2026 With Hamstring Injury

Sri Lanka have suffered a significant setback in their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out due to a left hamstring injury. Reports from Sri Lankan media indicate that the injury is expected to keep him out of action for around four weeks, effectively ending his participation in the tournament being co-hosted by his country.

Hasaranga sustained the injury during Sri Lanka's opening match against Ireland in Colombo. Despite showing visible discomfort during the game, he completed his bowling spell and delivered a match-winning performance. The 27-year-old later underwent an MRI scan, which confirmed the severity of the strain.

Sri Lanka have named leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha as his replacement in the squad.

The 31-year-old has limited international experience, having played five ODIs and three T20Is, where he has taken six wickets with a T20 economy rate of 7.85.

Sri Lanka began their World Cup journey on a positive note with a 20-run victory over Ireland at the R Premadasa Stadium. The hosts recovered from an early wobble to post 163 for six, thanks to explosive contributions from Kamindu Mendis, who scored 44 off just 19 balls, and Kusal Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 56.

However, it was Hasaranga who played a decisive role in defending the total. Ireland, chasing 164, showed promise through Ross Adair and Harry Tector, but Hasaranga's timely breakthroughs shifted momentum. He dismissed Adair early with a cleverly disguised googly and later removed Tector at a crucial stage of the chase.

His figures of 3 for 25 helped restrict Ireland to 143 in 19.5 overs. Alongside Maheesh Theekshana, who also claimed three wickets, Hasaranga ensured Sri Lanka dominated the middle overs. The leg-spinner also reached a personal milestone during the match, becoming the second-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history.

His absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka's bowling attack, increasing reliance on Theekshana and other bowlers to shoulder greater responsibility. Sri Lanka will next face Oman on February 12 in Pallekele, followed by challenging fixtures against Australia and Zimbabwe. The team will likely need at least two wins from these matches to strengthen their chances of progressing further in the tournament.