SL vs NZ: Injury sidelines Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for ODI series against New Zealand

Dambulla: Sri Lanka have been dealt with a massive blow ahead of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand as leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out after sustaining a left hamstring injury.

Hasaranga, Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker in the shortest format, picked up the injury while bowling during the second T20I against New Zealand on Sunday in Dambulla.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have named Dushan Hemantha, who has played five ODIs for the Islanders, as his replacement for the upcoming series.

The 27-year-old had finished the two T20Is with six wickets, snapping four on Sunday, and was named the Player of the Series.

While Hasaranga ripped into the New Zealand batting as Sri Lanka dismissed them for 108, the visitors bounced back in style with the ball, clinching a five-run heist to end the series in a 1-1 draw, an ICC report said.

Speaking after the match, Hasaranga opened up about his injury, “Finally, I can have a few weeks' break after this match. I think it's bad. I wanted to bowl my four overs to cut down their total. I can't run, so I tried to maximise (while batting) but I got out.”

The leg-spinner has had recent bouts with injuries, having pulled the same hamstring back in August during the home series against India.

Hasaranga is the second player to be ruled out of the upcoming series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Kiwi pacer and hat-trick hero from the second T20I Lockie Ferguson will also miss the action owing to a recent calf injury.

The experienced Adam Milne has been recalled into the squad to replace Ferguson.