Major blow for Sri Lanka as key player ruled out of Bangladesh T20I series

Sri Lanka have been dealt a significant setback ahead of their three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

The injury occurred during the third ODI against Bangladesh, where Hasaranga strained his right hamstring while batting. He had played a crucial role in the series opener, triggering a collapse that helped Sri Lanka win the match and eventually seal the series 2-1.

Despite his importance to the team, Sri Lanka have not named a replacement for the injured all-rounder. Instead, Hasaranga will return to Colombo to begin his rehabilitation at the High Performance Center.

Charith Asalanka will lead the Sri Lankan side in the T20I series, which begins on July 10 in Pallekele, followed by matches in Dambulla (July 13) and Colombo (July 16). The team has undergone several changes following their recent T20I series defeat to New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh have also made notable changes to their squad, dropping Najmul Hossain Shanto, who only played one of six T20Is during their recent series against UAE and Pakistan. Shanto had also stepped down from the T20I captaincy earlier this year and now finds himself out of the squad entirely.

Sri Lanka T20I Squad:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Binura Fernando, and Eshan Malinga.

Bangladesh T20I Squad:

Litton Das (c & wk), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Mohammad Naim, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mohammad Saifuddin.