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Sri Lanka‘s national cricket team has faced a significant setback as star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is set to miss the entire ODI World Cup 2023 due to a severe hamstring injury. The 26-year-old all-rounder, known for his prowess in leg-spin bowling, has suffered a grade three hamstring tear, putting his World Cup participation to rest.
Hasaranga was a prominent absentee from the frontline bowlers during the recently concluded Asia Cup 2023, along with Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka. The Islanders also lacked the services of off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana in the Asia Cup final, which was eventually won by India. In fact, the Men in Blue annihilated the Lankans by 10 wickets after bowling them out for just 50 runs.
Hasaranga has four 50+ scores in ODIs
In the 50-overs format, Hasaranga has delivered impressive performances, claiming 67 wickets in 48 matches at an average of 28.77, including three five-wicket hauls. He has also contributed with the bat, notching up four half-centuries in his career. Consequently, his absence will be a significant blow to the Sri Lankan team in the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to commence on October 5 in India.
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Sri Lanka will begin their campaign on October 7 against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is expected to announce its official squad for the ICC event on Tuesday, September 26.
Sri Lanka’s probable 15-man squad for the 2023 ODI World Cup:
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Pramod Madushan, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana
