Former Sri Lankan T20I captain Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand starting November 13. He suffered a hamstring injury in the left leg during the second T20I against the Black Caps and have been deemed unfit to participate in the 50-over clash.
Hasaranga, who is a pivotal member of the Sri Lankan team is a big miss for the hosts as they prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy in February. Leg-spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha has been summoned to fill the void for Hasaranga in the Lankan ODI squad.
Hasaranga has been stellar in the ongoing series, having scalped six wickets in the T20I format with a four-for in the second game where the hosts fell short by a mere five runs. He also scored 22 off 23 balls while chasing 136 runs in the first T20I.
It’s worth noting that the board opted for Hemantha’s services despite a wrist spinner in Jeffrey Vandersay already present. Dunith Wellalage and Maheesh Theekshana are other spinners in the Lankan squad.
The first ODI is set to be staged in Dambulla before the action switches to Pallekele for the last couple of ODIs.
