Overview
- The ICC Event Technical Committee approved leg‑spin all‑rounder Dushan Hemantha to replace Wanindu Hasaranga in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad.
- Hasaranga suffered a serious tear in his left hamstring during the win over Ireland after completing four overs for 3/25, with the MRI finding reviewed by a UK specialist before he was ruled out.
- His absence removes Sri Lanka’s most proven T20 World Cup bowler, with coverage citing 40 wickets at an economy rate near 6.0, reducing the team’s spin depth early in the tournament.
- Sri Lanka had already lost pacer Eshan Malinga to a shoulder injury before the event and now turn to Hemantha with matches against Oman on February 12 and Australia on February 16.
- Separately, New Zealand confirmed Michael Bracewell’s calf injury has ended his tournament, with Cole McConchie set to join the squad in India as a travelling reserve.