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Wanindu Hasaranga took three wickets despite injury as Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 20 runs within the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at R.Premadasa Stadium.
Wanindu Hasaranga picked up three wickets despite injury (AP)
Wanindu Hasaranga fought against injury to choose up three wickets as Sri Lanka held on for a 20-run win over Ireland of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group B clash on the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
After bowling just balls in his first over, Hasaranga looked in trouble, combating an injury.
The Sri Lankan spinner was visibly uncomfortable as he untied the knot on his trousers, and the physio ran out on the sphere to take a look.
A possible hamstring issue. But Pakistan’s cricketer-turned-commentator saw things in a different way.
“A fast magical rub perhaps,” he said sheepishly on air.
The comment made in passing appears harmless and innocent, but hides sexual innuendo and crass humour, unbecoming of the honour of an ICC broadcast from a former international of the gentleman’s game.
Wanindu Hasaranga, however, got here back strong.
Despite being practically on only one leg, he rattled the Irish batting line-up, picking up three wickets – including striking on the last ball of the identical over.
“Wanindu got an issue together with his hamstring. Hopefully it won’t be serious,” Dasun Shanaka said after the top of the match.
Sri Lanka Beat Ireland
Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis shone with the bat, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana’s sharp spin bowling steered Sri Lanka to a 20-run victory over Ireland of their T20 World Cup match on Sunday.
Kusal remained unbeaten with a gritty 56 off 43 balls, and Kamindu added a late boost with 44 off just 19 deliveries, helping Sri Lanka recuperate from a slow start to achieve a competitive total of 163 for six.
In response, leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga (3/25) and Maheesh Theekshana (3/23) bowled with exceptional control, resulting in Ireland being bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs.
Earlier, Ireland’s bowlers, led by George Dockrell (2/17), maintained a good grip on the innings, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 68 for 3 by the eleventh over.
Nonetheless, Kusal played a determined innings, crafting an important half-century in difficult conditions to present Sri Lanka a solid base. Kamindu then added a late flourish, hitting 4 boundaries and two sixes to make the entire more respectable.
(With inputs from Agencies)
February 08, 2026, 23:28 IST
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