The T20 World Cup has suffered a significant setback as Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell have both been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament due to injuries. The double blow has forced urgent squad reshuffles midway through the T20 World Cup campaign.

Hasaranga sustained a left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s opening T20 World Cup match against Ireland in Colombo. Despite returning impressive figures of 3/25, scans later confirmed a severe tear. The injury is expected to sideline him for at least four weeks, effectively ending his T20 World Cup participation.

The Event Technical Committee approved Dushan Hemantha as his replacement, allowing Sri Lanka to maintain balance in their T20 World Cup squad.

New Zealand also face a challenge in the T20 World Cup after Michael Bracewell aggravated a pre-existing calf injury during warm-ups against Afghanistan. Follow-up assessments ruled him out for approximately three weeks, ending his involvement in the T20 World Cup.

Off-spinning all-rounder Cole McConchie has been named as his replacement, joining the squad as teams adapt to sudden changes in this T20 World Cup.

With key all-rounders unavailable, both Sri Lanka and New Zealand must recalibrate strategies as the T20 World Cup intensifies toward the knockout stages.