Sri Lanka are expected to make just one change to their playing XI for their second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 encounter against Oman in Pallekele on Thursday, with Dushan Hemantha replacing the injured Wanindu Hasaranga, who featured against Ireland on Sunday.
Hasaranga was ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after scans confirmed a hamstring injury sustained during the opening match. Despite nursing the injury, the skipper produced a telling performance, returning figures of three for 25 and playing a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victory.
Although the co-hosts began their campaign on a positive note, concerns remain over the batting. Sri Lanka slumped to 104 for 4 in the 16th over, once again exposing middle-order frailties. A composed and timely partnership between Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis helped restore some respectability to the innings and push the total to a competitive level.
Despite those shortcomings, the team management is understood to be favouring continuity, opting against wholesale changes at this stage of the tournament. Hemantha’s inclusion is expected to strengthen the spin attack and help maintain control through the middle overs.
With Hasaranga sidelined, the responsibility will fall heavily on Sri Lanka’s senior players as they look to build momentum and keep their World Cup campaign firmly on track.
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