Sri Lanka are anxiously awaiting the results of an MRI scan on Wanindu Hasaranga after the all-rounder suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Ireland.
Team sources said Hasaranga will undergo the scan on Monday to assess the severity of the injury, after he was forced off the field early in his spell. Despite discomfort, the leg-spinning all-rounder returned to bowl and finished with figures of 3 for 25, playing a key role in Sri Lanka’s 20-run victory.
Sri Lanka Cricket officials said Hasaranga will not travel with the squad to Kandy for the Feb. 12 fixture as the team awaits medical clearance and further advice from specialists.
In the meantime, spinning all-rounder Dushan Hemantha will travel to Kandy as a reserve player.
Under ICC tournament regulations, if Sri Lanka opt to replace Hasaranga due to injury, the change must be approved by the ICC Technical Committee. Once replaced, a player cannot rejoin the squad later in the tournament unless another injury occurs to another player.
If Hasaranga is ruled out, it would be a significant blow to Sri Lanka’s campaign, with selectors expected to choose between Hemantha and leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay as his replacement. (Newswire)