Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the match due to a grade three hamstring tear.© AFP
Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow on the eve of the Asia Cup final against India as star spinner Maheesh Theekshana was ruled out of the match due to a grade three hamstring tear. Theekshana will not take part in Sunday’s final but is expected to be included in Sri Lanka’s final World Cup squad. Theekshana had strained his right hamstring while fielding during Sri Lanka’s two-wicket win over Pakistan on Thursday.
“Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the match against Pakistan, will not be available for the final,” an ACC statement said.
Theekshana went off the field several times while Sri Lanka was bowling. He was seen limping but completed his nine-over spell in the 42-over-per-side match before being helped off the field by some Sri Lanka dugout members in the 39th over.
Theekshana’s injury adds to Sri Lanka’s misery. They already don’t have names like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara.
Theekshana is Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs in 2023 with 31 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 17.45.
If he stays fit, he will undoubtedly be a key member of Sri Lanka’s 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Teams must submit their final teams for the mega event by September 28.
Sri Lanka will play two warm-up matches against Bangladesh (September 29) and Afghanistan (October 3) respectively, before their opening match on October 7 against South Africa
(With PTI inputs)
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