Sri Lanka and New Zealand face significant challenges in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as both have lost key all-rounders. Wanindu Hasaranga from Sri Lanka and Michael Bracewell from New Zealand will not continue in the tournament. To fill these gaps, Sri Lanka has called up Deshan Hemantha, while New Zealand has brought in Cole McConchie.
Hasaranga was injured during Sri Lanka’s first match against Ireland in Colombo, where he took 3 wickets for 25 runs. Subsequent scans showed he has a hamstring injury and will miss the rest of the tournament, which is set to last around four weeks.
After consulting an expert, Sri Lanka Cricket announced Hasaranga’s withdrawal. They confirmed that Dushan Hemantha will join as a replacement. Hemantha has played five ODIs and three T20 Internationals.
New Zealand’s Bracewell also suffered a setback, experiencing calf pain while warming up for the match against Afghanistan. This issue relates to a muscle injury he previously sustained during an ODI against India. Medical examinations indicate he needs about three weeks for recovery.
Cole McConchie will head to India to join the New Zealand squad as a traveling reserve, alongside seamer Ben Sears, according to New Zealand Cricket’s announcement.
