Dushan Hemantha likely to replace injured Wanindu Hasaranga as Sri Lanka brace for a potential upset against Oman

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Sri Lanka would ordinarily walk into Thursday’s clash against Oman in Pallekele as overwhelming favourites. They boast a strong record at home and have beaten Oman in their only previous meeting, an ODI in 2023. However, the absence of star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out of the tournament through injury, has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to this Group B encounter.

Hasaranga’s unavailability leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s line-up. Renowned for his dominance against Associate teams, the legspinner has often turned matches single-handedly, most recently with a decisive 3 for 25 against Ireland. Beyond his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs, Sri Lanka will also miss his lower-order power-hitting, which has frequently helped tilt tight games in their favour.

Leg-spinning allrounder Dushan Hemantha is the likely replacement and offers like-for-like cover on paper. However, in his limited international appearances so far, Hemantha’s standout contributions have largely come in the field rather than with bat or ball. This shift places added responsibility on Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to lead the spin attack, despite neither matching Hasaranga’s proven wicket-taking threat.

Sri Lanka’s bowling, considered their primary strength coming into the tournament, has now been weakened further following Eshan Malinga’s injury before the event. The double blow has exposed vulnerabilities that Oman will be keen to exploit, particularly in the middle overs.

Batting concerns have also intensified. Sri Lanka’s middle order has struggled for consistency, especially against spin, and Hasaranga’s absence removes one of their more reliable spin-hitters. While Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been vital at the top of the order, and Kamindu Mendis’ rapid 44 against Ireland has offered encouragement, the soft underbelly remains the middle overs. If Oman can strike there, an upset becomes a real possibility.

For Oman, this match is a must-win. Sitting bottom of Group B after losing to Zimbabwe, defeat would likely end their Super Eight hopes. They can, however, take confidence from a recent warm-up win over a Sri Lanka A side, highlighted by Aamir Kaleem’s explosive 80 and Vinayak Shukla’s finishing. Their immediate challenge will be coping with Sri Lanka’s pace duo of Dushmantha Chameera and Matheesha Pathirana, especially after losing nine wickets to seam in their opening game.

Kamindu Mendis’ resurgence has been one of Sri Lanka’s positives. Initially in and out of the side, his Player-of-the-Match performance against Ireland underlined his value as a flexible middle-order batter capable of countering spin. That skill could prove crucial again, as Oman are expected to field a spin-heavy attack led by the accurate left-armer Shakeel Ahmed, who impressed against Sri Lanka A.

Pallekele’s pitch is expected to be more batting-friendly than recent Colombo surfaces, in line with ICC guidance, though early moisture could assist seamers in this day game. Historically, Sri Lanka have struggled at the venue, winning only 10 of 24 T20Is, which further adds to the sense of opportunity for Oman.

With clear skies forecast and both teams aware of what is at stake, Sri Lanka will be keen to overcome their Hasaranga-shaped hole and poor Pallekele record, while Oman chase a landmark victory that would rank among the biggest in their cricketing history.