Sri Lanka will need to address their batting inconsistencies, particularly through the middle overs, and rethink their bowling combination in the absence of injured Wanindu Hasaranga when they face Oman in a Group B match of the ICC T20 World Cup on Thursday.

The former champions suffered a major setback after Hasaranga, their premier spin weapon, was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury sustained during the opener against Ireland. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka began their campaign with a 20-run victory over a tricky Irish side.

That win, however, exposed familiar issues with the bat. Sri Lanka struggled badly against spin, failing to hit a single boundary between the seventh and 15th overs after Ireland turned to their slow bowlers — an area Oman will look to target.

The innings was salvaged by Kamindu Mendis, whose explosive 19-ball 44 in the death overs lifted Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Kusal Mendis, meanwhile, made the most of a few reprieves to anchor the innings with a half-century. More will be expected from openers Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara, both of whom failed to convert promising starts.

Hasaranga had delivered a brave performance against Ireland, completing his four overs and picking up three wickets despite visible discomfort. His replacement, Dushan Hemantha — who has played just five ODIs and three T20Is — now faces the daunting task of filling the void.

Maheesh Theekshana, who also claimed three wickets in the opener, will be key to Sri Lanka’s plans as he takes on added responsibility in the spin department.

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Oman, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing eight-wicket loss to Zimbabwe. In their fourth appearance at the T20 World Cup, Oman struggled against pace and bounce, with their top five batters failing to reach double figures in Colombo.

Captain Jatinder Singh knows his side must post a total in the region of 150–160 to give their bowling attack, arguably their stronger suit, something to defend. Sufyan Mehmood impressed with two wickets in the previous match, while Shah Faisal also delivered a disciplined spell.

Teams (from)

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha.

Oman: Jatinder Singh (c), Aamir Kaleem, Hammad Mirza, Wasim Ali, Karan Sonavale, Jiten Ramanandi, Vinayak Shukla (wk), Sufyan Mehmood, Nadeem Khan, Shah Faisal, Shakeel Ahmed, Mohammad Nadeem, Jay Odedra, Ashish Odedara, Shafiq Jan.

Match starts: 11:00 am IST