T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka battle middle-order woes and Hasaranga’s absence

Sri Lanka must iron out their batting inconsistencies, significantly within the center overs, and rework their bowling mixture within the absence of an injured Wanindu Hasaranga once they tackle Oman in a Group B match of the T20 World Cup in Pallekele on Thursday (February 12, 2026).

The previous champions have been dealt a extreme blow after Hasaranga, their most potent spin weapon, was dominated out of the event with a hamstring damage sustained throughout their opener towards Eire.

Sri Lanka had a disappointing build-up to the ICC showpiece, coming into the event on the again of a 0-3 drubbing by England at house. Nonetheless, the co-hosts made a optimistic begin to their marketing campaign with a 20-run win over a tough Eire.

The victory, although, couldn’t masks their batters’ wrestle towards spin.

The 2014 champions didn’t hit a single boundary between the seventh and fifteenth overs after Eire launched spin, an space Oman will look to use.

Issues might have turned messy however for Kamindu Mendis, who smashed a 19-ball 44 within the demise overs to raise Sri Lanka to a aggressive whole.

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

The staff will, nonetheless, anticipate extra from openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, who didn’t convert their begins.

Hasaranga had put in an excellent effort towards Eire, finishing his 4 overs and claiming three essential wickets regardless of discomfort.

In his absence, Dushan Hemantha, who has performed simply 5 ODIs and three T20Is, can have massive sneakers to fill after being named as alternative.

Fellow spinner Maheesh Theekshana, who additionally claimed three wickets within the opener, must shoulder added accountability.

Oman, then again, have been effectively wanting runs towards Zimbabwe, slumping to an eight-wicket defeat.

Making their fourth look within the T20 showpiece, Oman struggled towards tempo and further bounce, with their prime 5 batters failing to achieve double digits in Colombo.

They might want to shortly tackle these frailties if they’re to spring a shock like they did on debut in 2016, once they defeated Eire.

Skipper Jatinder Singh is aware of his aspect might want to put up no less than 150-160 runs to provide their bowling assault, their stronger go well with, one thing to defend.

Sufyan Mehmood impressed with two wickets within the earlier outing, whereas Shah Faisal additionally bowled effectively.

Groups

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha.

Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed, Mohammad Nadeem, Jay Odedra, Ashish Odedara, Shafiq Jan.

Printed – February 12, 2026 04:27 am IST