In a major setback for Sri Lanka’s cricket team, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the ODI World Cup 2023 due to an unfortunate injury. This news comes as a significant blow to Sri Lanka, who had already lost their skipper Dasun Shanala mid-tournament.
It is worth mentioning that Pathirana sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s match against Pakistan, and The Sri Lankan selectors officially announced his unavailability for the remainder of the World Cup on Tuesday, October 24. The announcement came as a disheartening moment for the team and its fans as they lost yet another crucial player mid-tournament.
Matheesha Pathirana’s unfortunate exit
The Sri Lankan cricket management had initially held hope for Pathirana’s quick recovery, with expectations that he might be back in action within ten days. However, it is now confirmed that he will play no further part in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The injury saga only adds to Sri Lanka’s woes, as they had already faced a series of setbacks even before the World Cup began.
Pre-tournament challenges
One of the most significant pre-tournament blows was the absence of star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who missed both the World Cup and the Asia Cup 2023 due to a hamstring injury. Dushmanth Chameera, another key player, also didn’t make the cut to feature in the World Cup intitially. These early setbacks raised concerns about Sri Lanka’s prospects in the tournament, and the loss of Pathirana only exacerbates the situation.
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Veteran all-rounder steps in as Pathirana’s replacement
In the midst of these challenging circumstances, veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been added to Sri Lanka’s squad. Recently roped in as a traveling reserve along with Chameera, Mathews has now been selected as Pathirana’s replacement. With an impressive international ODI record comprising over 5,000 runs in 221 matches and 120 wickets, Mathews brings a wealth of experience and skills to the Sri Lankan squad.
Mathews’ inclusion in the team could potentially address Sri Lanka’s ongoing middle-order concerns, which have been a point of worry in recent times. His solid batting abilities and handy medium-pace bowling make him a valuable asset, particularly in pressure situations.
Mathews approved as replacement for Pathirana in Sri Lanka squad
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Angelo Mathews as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad.
Mathews, who has played 221 ODIs, was named… pic.twitter.com/AIx1GIpzuR
— Sri Lanka Cricket
(@OfficialSLC) October 24, 2023
The road ahead for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka currently finds itself in a challenging position in the tournament, occupying the ninth spot on the points table with just one win. The upcoming journey won’t be easy for the team, and their next challenge is a clash against England on October 26 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With Pathirana ruled out, and the team missing key players, Sri Lanka will need to dig deep and rely on the experience and expertise of players to turn their World Cup campaign around.