Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka, suffered a huge blow ahead of the third and final T20I of the series against Harry Brook’s England. Star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the upcoming match for Sri Lanka, which has raised concerns about his fitness for the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026.
Sri Lanka will play England in the third T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 3. The home team will try to avoid a whitewash after losing the first two matches against the dominant England side, as another defeat could affect their confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Wanindu Hasaranga Ruled Out Of Third T20I Against England
Wanindu Hasaranga is unlikely to feature in the third T20I against England. Journalist Danushka Aravinda stated that Hasaranga is set to undergo a minor surgery, making his availability for the final game doubtful.
“Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is more likely to miss the third T20I against England tomorrow due to minor surgery,” Aravinda wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).
BREAKING 🚨
Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is more likely to miss the third T20I against England tomorrow due to minor surgery.#sportspavilionlk #danushkaaravinda #ENGvsSL #SLvsENG pic.twitter.com/FB8s63qZRO
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) February 2, 2026
Hasaranga has struggled with the ball in the first two matches. The leg-spinner has not taken any wickets in the series, recording figures of 0/36 and 0/44 against England.
Wanindu Hasaranga’s Impact in T20I Cricket
Wanindu Hasaranga is one of Sri Lanka’s best spinners in T20I cricket. Since making his debut in 2019, he has consistently broken partnerships and troubled batters around the world, especially during the middle overs.
Hasaranga has taken 151 wickets in 94 T20I matches at an average of 16.21 and an economy rate of 7.03. His best bowling performance came against India, where he claimed figures of 4/9.
He also adds value with the bat. Hasaranga often comes in during pressure situations and plays with intent. He has scored 806 runs at a strike rate of 126.53, with a highest score of 71.
Sri Lanka rely on him in the middle overs with the ball. Without Hasaranga, the bowling attack looks weaker and lacks the cutting edge needed to counter England’s batting lineup.
Sri Lanka to Begin T20 World Cup 2026 Campaign Against Ireland
Sri Lanka will start their 2026 T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland in Colombo. After that, they will play Oman on February 12 and Australia on February 16 in Pallekele. Their final group match will be against Zimbabwe on February 19 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka had a poor run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. They were knocked out in the group stage and managed only one win, beating the Netherlands by 83 runs. They lost to South Africa by six wickets and to Bangladesh by two wickets, while their match against Nepal was abandoned due to rain.
The team also struggled in the 2023 ODI World Cup, finishing second-last with just two wins in nine matches. Sri Lanka will now look to turn things around and perform better in the 2026 T20 World Cup.
