Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the ODI series against New Zealand after sustaining a recurring injury during a T20I match between the two sides on Sunday (November 10).
Hasaranga injured his left hamstring during Sri Lanka’s second T20I against New Zealand. He was named the Player of the Match for taking six wickets in the two-match series. His 4-17, which skittled New Zealand for 108, went in vain as the visitors scripted a remarkable turnaround, winning the match by five wickets. The series was levelled 1-1.
After the match, Hasaranga revealed the extent of his injury: "Finally, I can have a few weeks' break after this match. I think it's bad. I wanted to bowl my four overs to cut down their total. I can't run, so I tried to maximise (while batting) but I got out."
Hasaranga's career has been plagued with injuries of late, with him missing the home series against India earlier this year due to a similar hamstring issue.
He has been replaced by spin-bowling all-rounder Dushan Hemantha, who is currently playing Sri Lanka A’s home series against Pakistan Shaheens. Hemantha has represented Sri Lanka in the format five times and will link with Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to bolster their spin depth.
8⃣ centuries in 4⃣6⃣ ODI innings.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) November 12, 2024
Rahmanullah Gurbaz has joined an elite ODI club with Sachin Tendulkar and Quinton de Kock for the most hundreds before turning 23 👏
Check list here ➡️ https://t.co/PnHKjyOGU1 pic.twitter.com/Obnvxeqh8E
Hasaranga is not the only player to be ruled out of the ODI series. New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson, who claimed a hat-trick in the final T20I, will also be unavailable due to a calf injury. Adam Milne has been called as Ferguson’s replacement.
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