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Sri Lanka have suffered a significant setback ahead of their upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, with star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga being ruled out due to injury. The three-match series, set to begin on November 13, will see the hosts without one of their key players, dealing a blow to their spin department.
Injury to Wanindu Hasaranga forces him to miss ODI series
Hasaranga, who has been a crucial figure in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, sustained a left hamstring injury while bowling during the second T20I against New Zealand. According to reports from DailyMirror Online, Hasaranga has already returned to Colombo and commenced rehabilitation at the High-Performance Centre. His absence will leave a significant gap in Sri Lanka’s spin options for the upcoming ODI series.
Inexperienced spinner named as replacement of Hasaranga
To fill the void left by Hasaranga, Sri Lanka have called up leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha as his replacement. Hemantha, 30, last featured for Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup against India. While his experience in ODIs is limited to just five matches, where he has taken two wickets, the selectors will hope that he can step up in Hasaranga’s absence.
ODI series schedule
The ODI series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will begin on November 13 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. The remaining two ODIs are scheduled for November 17 and 19, with the final two matches to be played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
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Sri Lanka ODI squad (updated)
Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, Dushan Hemantha
Both teams dealing with key absences
The upcoming ODI series will be a test for both teams as they will be missing key players. Along with Hasaranga’s absence, New Zealand will also be without their pace spearhead Lockie Ferguson, who was ruled out of the series due to a calf injury sustained during the second T20I.
