Wanindu Hasaranga out of T20 World Cup? Star Sri Lanka spinner walks off vs Ireland

Wanindu Hasaranga [Source: @I_am_Harshit_17/x]

Wanindu Hasaranga has walked off the field during Sri Lanka’s opening Group B match of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Ireland. The cricketer bowled just one over during the Ireland run-chase at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo before getting replaced by Charith Asalanka on the field.

The star Sri Lanka spinner has seemingly hurt his hamstring, thus putting Sri Lanka in a possible flux quite early in the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup at home.

Wanindu Hasaranga suffers hamstring scare in opening T20 World Cup 2026 weekend

Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced into the attack by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka during the eighth over of the Irish innings when they reached 52-1 in their chase of 164.

Just two deliveries into his opening over, the 28-year-old seemingly hurt his hamstring, prompting even team physio to have a look at him on the field.

Nonetheless, Wanindu Hasaranga went on to complete his first over of the match, and knocked over Ireland’s well-set opener Ross Adair off the final ball for a 23-ball 34.

However, the cricketer walked off the field mere moments after the completion of his over, prompting the Sri Lanka team management to send Charith Asalanka as a substitute fielder.

With Wanindu Hasaranga walking off the field halfway into the Ireland innings, at a stage as early as the opening weekend of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, it raises potentially serious injury concerns for the tournament co-hosts.

Even though Hasaranga made his return to the field and bowled another over, fans are still awaiting an official confirmation from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) over his availability for the remaining matches of the competition. 

Any prolonged absence could leave a significant void in Sri Lanka’s bowling unit as it upsets the balance of their plans moving forward.

Wanindu Hasaranga in fine form heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup

Wanindu Hasaranga was in splendid touch with the ball for Sri Lanka in their road towards the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

In the T20I tri-series in Pakistan a couple of months ago, the 28-year-old picked up seven wickets in just five innings, which included match-winning spells against both Pakistan and Zimbabwe. He also decimated Pakistan with sensational figures of 4-35 last month in a home T20I in Dambulla.

Wanindu Hasaranga’s recent form and vast T20 experience makes his potential ouster from the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup even more damaging to Sri Lanka’s prospects.

Sri Lanka charts a competitive 163-6 vs Ireland

Being put into bat first, Sri Lanka charted a competitive 163-6 in 20 overs against Ireland. The hosts started off the match with a 28-run opening partnership between Kamil Mishara and Pathum Nissanka. Kusal Mendis at number three cracked a blistering 56* off 43 balls with five elegant boundaries to top-score in the innings.

Kamindu Mendis blasted 44 runs from just 19 deliveries to turbo-charge Sri Lanka innings in the slog overs. The cricketer launched four sizzling boundaries and two huge sixes in the process.

For Ireland, left-arm spinner George Dockrell unfurled the spell of the innings with impressive figures of 2-17 in his four overs.