Sri Lanka have suffered a big setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against New Zealand, as star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out with a left hamstring injury.  

Hasaranga, who has been a key player for Sri Lanka, picked up the injury while bowling during the second T20I against New Zealand in Dambulla. The 27-year-old had been in excellent form, finishing the series with six wickets, including four in the second match, and was named the Player of the Series.  

The injury, which is a recurrence of a hamstring issue he first suffered during Sri Lanka's home series against India in August, has forced Hasaranga to miss the upcoming ODI series.  

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has called up Dushan Hemantha, a 26-year-old spinner with five ODI appearances, to replace Hasaranga for the series.  

After the second T20I, Hasaranga spoke about the injury, saying, "Finally, I can have a few weeks' break after this match. I think it's bad. I wanted to bowl my four overs to cut down their total. I can't run, so I tried to maximise (while batting) but I got out."  

Hasaranga’s absence follows the injury of New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson, who also will miss the ODI series due to a calf injury. Adam Milne has been called up to replace Ferguson.  

The two teams will begin their ODI series on November 13, with Sri Lanka now without one of their key bowlers.