Despite the injury, Hasaranga delivered an outstanding performance, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs.
Former RCB bowler Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a left hamstring injury sustained while bowling in the second T20I. This is a significant blow for Sri Lanka.
Despite the injury, Hasaranga delivered an outstanding performance, taking 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his four overs. This followed a strong showing in the first T20I, where he claimed 2 wickets for 20 runs.
Hasaranga was named Player of the Series and, during the post-match presentation, he spoke about his hamstring injury.
“Finally I can have a few weeks break after this match. I think it’s bad (on his hamstring injury). I wanted to bowl my four overs to cut down their total. I can’t run, so I tried to maximise (with the bat) but I got out. I wanted to bowl the stumps’ line with the 5-metre length, I tried to do my basic things,” Hasaranga said.
Sri Lanka Cricket have confirmed that Hasaranga has returned to Colombo to begin injury rehabilitation at the High Performance Center. In his absence, Dushan Hemantha has been added to the squad as his replacement.
Also Read: Next Destination for Ishan Kishan? 4 Teams in Contention to Bid for him in IPL 2025 Auction
Wanindu Hasaranga has been released by SRH ahead of the IPL 2025 auction after missing the IPL 2024 season due to injury. With the IPL 2025 Auction approaching, it will be interesting to see which team picks him up.
New Zealand levels series with a thrilling five-run victory
In the second T20I, Wanindu Hasaranga’s superb spin bowling restricted New Zealand to just 108 runs. However, Sri Lanka stumbled in their chase, held to 103 runs as Lockie Ferguson claimed a hat-trick and Glenn Phillips also took three wickets. New Zealand won by five runs, tying the series 1-1.
The three-match ODI series begins tomorrow, November 13, with the following matches scheduled for November 17 and 19. The first game will be at Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, and the final two at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
For more updates, follow CricXtasy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram, and YouTube.
