Wanindu Hasaranga was in some discomfort after bowling his first over of the match. He felt discomfort in his hamstring area after the over, as he unfastened his trousers and the physio ran onto the field to take a look. It turned out to be a hamstring problem. However, the leg-spinner came and completed his entire four-over spell, taking three wickets in the match.
Wanindu Hasaranga to miss the remainder of the World Cup?
Hasaranga underwent scans on Monday. According to The Morning reports from the camp in Sri Lanka, he will miss the big tournament. According to Sri Lanka Cricket officials, Wanindu Hasaranga will not travel with the squad to Kandy for the February 12 match as the team awaits medical clearance and further updates from the doctors.
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Sri Lanka’s premium spinner has been prone to injuries over the years. He was ruled out of this tournament in India due to a serious hamstring injury sustained during the 2023 Lanka Premier League. The spin-bowling all-rounder also missed the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia due to injury.
Hasaranga breaks new records
In the final match, despite sustaining the injury, Wanindu Hasaranga created a record as he became the all-time T20 World Cup record holder for most wickets for the island country. The veteran spinner now has 40 wickets to his name, surpassing the previous record of former cricketer and current fast bowling coach of the side, Lasith Malinga’s record of 38 wickets.
Hasaranga is right behind former Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who has picked 50 wickets in the big leagues. Hasaranga will reportedly be replaced by Dushan Hemantha in the squad. This will be a huge blow for the co-hosts, who were among the favorites due to their home conditions and spin-friendly wickets.
Irfan Pathan slams Jayasuriya for forcing Hasaranga to bowl
Irfan Pathan also talked about how the 28-year-old was made to bowl with one leg by Sanath Jayasuriya against Ireland. Speaking to Star Sports, he said: “Yes, he came back, bowled extremely well and showed courage, but if his hamstring injury worsens and the whole World Cup is over, was that right?”
Irfan further stated, “He took three big wickets. He dismissed Ross Adair and Harry Tector. They were important wickets because he got rid of set batters. Then he finally took a wicket. On the whole, if we talk about Wanindu Hasaranga, there was never any doubt about his skills. His fitness is always in question. One thing was that Sanath Jayasuriya was extremely enthusiastic.”
The former Indian pacer felt that Sri Lanka risked the spinner’s World Cup campaign by bowling him despite sustaining an injury during the match. Now the risk has arisen as he may be ruled out of the competition.
Also read: ‘Magic rub’: Ramiz Raja crosses the line with vulgar comment with double meaning on Wanindu Hasaranga
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