Sri Lanka's campaign moves cities, but it does so 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 just as the tournament begins to take shape. The injury leaves a visible gap in their bowling plans and on-field presence. While the immediate test, against Oman, may not appear the sternest on paper, the focus will be on how Sri Lanka's attack responds without its lead spinner.
This will be the first game of the tournament at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, with a morning start. The shift from Colombo brings different conditions, but spin is set to be the flavour again, with the slower bowlers having had more success here compared to the pacers. That places added responsibility on Maheesh Theekshana and Sri Lanka's other slow-bowling resources, especially with their star spinner missing.
Sri Lanka were also not fluent with the bat in their opening game against Ireland. They were strangled through the middle overs, failing to hit a single boundary between overs 7 and 15, before Kamindu Mendis gave them a good finish. They'll be hoping for the top order to show more intent and find their rhythm, considering the tougher assignments coming up after this.
For Oman, this is unfamiliar territory in more ways than one. It will be their first-ever T20I against Sri Lanka. Quick adaptation to conditions and better management with the bat will be key. They arrive after a chastening defeat to Zimbabwe. Exposed by pace and bounce, they were rushed into errors and bundled out for 103. They need an improved batting display if they are to challenge the hosts.
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