T20 World Cup 2026: Hasaranga-less Sri Lanka aims to rework combinations ahead of Oman clash

Sri Lanka will have to iron out its batting inconsistencies, particularly in the middle overs, and rework its bowling combination in the absence of an injured Wanindu Hasaranga when it takes on Oman in a Group B match of the T20 World Cup in Pellekele on Thursday.

The former champion was dealt a severe blow after Hasaranga, its most potent spin weapon, was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury sustained during its opener against Ireland.

Sri Lanka had a disappointing build-up to the ICC showpiece, entering the tournament on the back of a 0-3 drubbing by England at home. However, the co-host made a positive start to its campaign with a 20-run win over a tricky Ireland.

The victory, though, could not mask its batters’ struggle against spin.

The 2014 champion failed to hit a single boundary between the seventh and 15th overs after Ireland introduced spin, an area Oman will look to exploit.

Things could have turned messy but for Kamindu Mendis, who smashed a 19-ball 44 in the death overs to lift Sri Lanka to a competitive total.

While Kamindu provided the late acceleration, Kusal Mendis capitalised on reprieves to anchor the innings with a half-century.

The team will, however, expect more from openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, who failed to convert their starts.

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Hasaranga had put in a superb effort against Ireland, completing his four overs and claiming three crucial wickets despite discomfort.

In his absence, Dushan Hemantha, who has played just five ODIs and three T20Is, will have big shoes to fill after being named as a replacement.

Fellow spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who also claimed three wickets in the opener, will have to shoulder added responsibility.

Oman, on the other hand, was well short of runs against Zimbabwe, slumping to an eight-wicket defeat.

Making its fourth appearance in the T20 showpiece, Oman struggled against pace and extra bounce, with its top five batters failing to reach double digits in Colombo.

It will need to quickly address those frailties if it is to spring a surprise as it did on debut in 2016, when it defeated Ireland.

Skipper Jatinder Singh knows his side will need to put up at least 150-160 runs to give its bowling attack, its stronger suit, something to defend.

Sufyan Mehmood impressed with two wickets in the previous outing, while Shah Faisal also bowled well.

Published on Feb 11, 2026