Hasaranga, Nissanka ruled out of Sri Lanka's T20I series against Pakistan
Hasaranga, Nissanka ruled out of Sri Lanka’s T20I series against Pakistan
The Hasaranga Nissanka ruled out news is a major blow for Sri Lanka. The island nation will be without senior cricketers Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka for their upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan.
Nissanka has been ruled out with a right-leg strain, while Hasaranga continues to recover from a lower-back issue. The upcoming T20I series will be played entirely at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 9 to 13. It will begin a multi-format tour for Sri Lanka, with an ODI Tri-Nation Series against Pakistan and England followed by two Test matches in November.
Hasaranga Nissanka ruled out: who replaces them
Pathum Nissanka will miss the T20I series after suffering a right-leg strain. Wanindu Hasaranga continues his rehabilitation from a lower-back problem. Both players are targeting a return for the ODI tri-series starting October 18, subject to their match fitness.
In Hasaranga’s absence, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth is likely to provide the spin cover. Sahan Arachchige and Chamindu Wickramasinghe are also among the players being considered for the series.
Kusal Mendis will return to the side and take charge of the team. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter is also expected to open the innings, giving the team an established option at the top of the order.
Sri Lanka look to bounce back after difficult run
The Sri Lankan team suffered a heavy defeat against India in the 2026 Asian Games semi-final in Nisshin, where they were bowled out for just 45 in 9.5 overs while chasing 170. India won the match by 124 runs after posting 169/7. Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten 80, while the visitors struggled against India’s bowling throughout the chase. It was Sri Lanka’s lowest-ever T20I total and matched the lowest total recorded by a Full Member side.
Before the Asian Games, Sri Lanka suffered a 3-0 T20I series loss to England in September. They lost the first match in Southampton by 119 runs after England scored 254/4. They then suffered a six-wicket defeat in Cardiff, before losing the final match in Manchester by eight wickets.
Earlier in the year, the team reached the second round of the home T20 World Cup and also secured a 2-1 away series victory against the West Indies in June.
FAQs
Why are Hasaranga and Nissanka missing the Pakistan T20Is?
Pathum Nissanka has a right-leg strain, while Wanindu Hasaranga is still recovering from a lower-back issue.
When is the Sri Lanka T20I series against Pakistan?
The three-match series runs from October 9 to 13 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Who will captain Sri Lanka in the series?
Kusal Mendis returns to the side and will take charge of the team, also opening the innings.
