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Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out of Bangladesh T20I Series Due to Hamstring Injury
Sri Lanka Suffer Major Blow Ahead of Bangladesh T20Is
In a significant setback for Sri Lanka ahead of their T20I series against Bangladesh, premier leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The three-match T20I series, scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 10, 2025, will go ahead without Sri Lanka’s white-ball talisman, who picked up the injury during the third ODI of the recently concluded series.
Hasaranga sustained the injury while batting during the final ODI, which Sri Lanka lost but still clinched the series 2-1. He was visibly in discomfort after the knock and did not return to bowl. Subsequent scans confirmed a grade 1 strain in his right hamstring, ruling him out of the upcoming games.
Sri Lanka’s T20I captain Charith Asalanka confirmed on the eve of the series opener that Jeffrey Vandersay would be drafted in as a replacement. “Hasaranga’s absence is massive. He’s our match-winner, especially in white-ball formats,” Asalanka said during a press briefing on Wednesday.
Sri Lanka Welcome Back Shanaka and Chamika to Bolster Balance
All-Round Options Strengthen Lower Order
While the loss of Hasaranga leaves a void in both the bowling attack and lower-order hitting, Sri Lanka’s squad will be reinforced by the return of two experienced all-rounders—Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne.
According to Asalanka, Shanaka will play the role of a floating batter, capable of adjusting his position based on match situations. “We’ll use Dasun depending on the conditions. He can bat at six or even come in earlier if needed,” the skipper said. Meanwhile, Chamika is likely to take on the role of a bowling all-rounder at number seven, offering depth to both the batting lineup and pace unit.
📎 Related: Sri Lanka’s Full Squad for Bangladesh T20I Series 2025
This return strengthens Sri Lanka’s search for balance in their T20I lineup, a process Asalanka admitted is still evolving. “We’ve set a goal to break into the top five of the T20I rankings, but that can only happen with consistency and clear roles,” he added.
Bangladesh Focus on Fresh Start After ODI Defeat
On the other side, Bangladesh’s T20I skipper Litton Das addressed the media with a clear message—ODI form won’t affect T20 focus. The hosts lost the ODI series 1-2, but Litton emphasized the need to switch gears.
“T20 is a completely different game,” Litton said. “I didn’t perform well in the ODIs, and that’s why I was benched. But I’ve used that time to focus and prepare for T20s.”
He noted that while Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both suffer from inexperience in certain departments, he believes the series will be competitive. “If we stick to our plans and read the pitch correctly, scores of 180-plus are definitely achievable,” he added.
T20I Series Preview: What to Expect
The T20I series between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka promises to be a tight contest, given both teams are transitioning and experimenting with new combinations. With players like Hasaranga out and new faces stepping in, the focus will be on bench strength and adaptability.
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Match 1: July 10
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Match 2: July 12
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Match 3: July 14
All matches are expected to be played on batting-friendly pitches, with temperatures and weather conditions favouring high-scoring affairs.
Crucial T20I Series for Both Teams’ Rankings and Momentum
The absence of Wanindu Hasaranga undoubtedly hurts Sri Lanka, but the return of Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne gives them valuable experience in the lineup. For Bangladesh, this is an opportunity to regroup after their ODI setback and establish momentum in the T20 format ahead of future ICC events.
With both captains speaking about long-term goals and player development, this series is about more than just immediate results. Expect close finishes, evolving team combinations, and standout performances from emerging names.
