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After comprehensively defeating Bangladesh in both the Test (2-0) and ODI (2-1) legs of their all-format home series, Sri Lanka are determined to assert their supremacy in the shortest format as well. The first of three T20Is gets underway today at the iconic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
With momentum heavily in their favour and the home crowd behind them, the Lankan Lions are aiming for nothing less than a clean sweep. Charith Asalanka, the dynamic all-rounder, has been handed leadership duties for this leg. Meanwhile, Bangladesh arrive with a point to prove and will be led by the experienced Litton Das. The Tigers have endured a forgettable tour so far and are hoping to turn things around. Both sides are looking to test new combinations in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2026.
Reason behind Wanindu Hasaranga absence from SL vs BAN 1st T20I
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first, but there was a major talking point before a ball was bowled. Star all-rounder and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the entire T20I series after sustaining a hamstring injury during the final ODI. Despite scoring a quickfire 18* off 14 balls and later bowling an effective 2/35 from 8.4 overs in that match, Hasaranga’s post-match assessment revealed a right-leg hamstring strain.
As a result, he has returned to Colombo for rehabilitation at the High Performance Centre and will not feature further in the series. No official replacement has been named, though the selectors have introduced several fresh faces compared to the squad that lost to New Zealand earlier this year. Hasaranga, currently ranked No.5 in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings, leaves behind a gaping void in both bowling control and lower-order hitting. His absence also deprives Sri Lanka of their most experienced T20 match-winner, a player capable of turning games with bat, ball, or brilliance in the field.
Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket requests BCCI for India series; Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI return on cards
