New Delhi, Feb 10 (NationPress) Sri Lanka and New Zealand face considerable challenges in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, as key all-rounders Wanindu Hasaranga and Michael Bracewell are officially out for the rest of the tournament due to injuries. In response, both teams have promptly announced replacements: Deshan Hemantha will join the Sri Lankan squad, while Cole McConchie is set to replace Bracewell in the New Zealand lineup.

Hasaranga's participation was halted after he suffered a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s first match against Ireland in Colombo on Sunday. Despite this setback, the leg-spinning all-rounder had an impressive outing, taking three wickets for just 25 runs in his four-over spell. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated shortly after.

An MRI scan conducted revealed a serious tear in Hasaranga’s left hamstring. Following a review by a UK-based specialist, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed his exit from the tournament. Reports suggest that he will be sidelined for at least four weeks, effectively concluding his World Cup journey in a tournament co-hosted by Sri Lanka.

“The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has authorized Dushan Hemantha as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga in the Sri Lanka squad. Hemantha, who has experience in five ODIs and three T20Is, was selected after Hasaranga’s injury during the match against Ireland on February 8,” the ICC stated.

“Additionally, the ETC has confirmed a replacement for New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell, who sustained a calf injury during warm-ups against Afghanistan on February 8 in Chennai,” the statement added.

New Zealand's situation grew increasingly concerning as Bracewell aggravated a pre-existing calf injury during warm-up drills ahead of their match against Afghanistan. He had previously torn his left calf during the third ODI against India last month and unfortunately re-injured the same muscle.

Follow-up scans verified the seriousness of the injury, indicating a recovery period of approximately three weeks before Bracewell could return to competitive play, effectively ruling him out of the World Cup.

“The off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie will travel to India to join the squad as a traveling reserve, along with pace-bowler Ben Sears,” New Zealand Cricket mentioned in their announcement.

This double blow comes at a vital phase of the tournament, compelling both teams to revise their lineups as they strive to advance in this prestigious event.