Sri Lanka look to cope without Hasaranga in Pallekele

Sri Lanka's campaign moves to Pallekele under a cloud. Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury, a significant setback for the co-hosts. The injury leaves a visible gap in their bowling plans. While the immediate test against Oman may not appear the sternest, the focus will be on how Sri Lanka's attack responds without its lead spinner.

This will be the first tournament game at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Spin is set to be the flavour again, placing added responsibility on Maheesh Theekshana and Sri Lanka's other slow-bowling resources.

Sri Lanka were not fluent with the bat in their opening game against Ireland, strangled through the middle overs. They'll be hoping for the top order to show more intent.

For Oman, this is unfamiliar territory—their first-ever T20I against Sri Lanka. They arrive after a chastening defeat to Zimbabwe, bundled out for 103, and need an improved batting display to challenge the hosts.

When: Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM local
Where: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

What to expect: A slower surface with spin and cutters playing a major role. Chasing has historically been preferred. Since 2024, seven T20Is have been played here, with an average first-innings score of 159.

Hasaranga's absence forces a reshuffle. Legspinner Dushan Hemantha has been roped in as the replacement and could slot in straightaway.

Sri Lanka Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana

Oman Probable XI: Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed

Kamindu Mendis on the pitches: "We thought it would be a good wicket, but when we were batting, we realized it would be challenging. With home advantage, we play these wickets. Sometimes it will be good. Sometimes it will help spinners. It's all about situation handling."

Sufyan Mehmood on Associate nations: "For Associate nations to compete against top Test nations, we need to play more against each other. The gap is closing now. We need to play more matches to close the gap further."