World Cup: Big blow to Sri Lanka; ‘Junior Malinga’ may be out of World Cup, update regarding Kusal Perera also

Pratyush Raj. Nothing is going well for Sri Lanka in the World Cup 2023. The team has not been able to win even a single match yet and its players are getting injured one after the other. Captain Dasun Shanaka is already out of the tournament due to injury. Meanwhile, there is news that ‘Junior Malinga’ Mathisa Pathirana may also be out of the tournament. Pathirana has a shoulder injury. The 20-year-old missed Sri Lanka’s last match against Australia and is unlikely to feature against the Netherlands on Saturday. Sri Lanka has to play the next match against Netherlands on 21 October. There is doubt over Kapsal Perera’s play in this match.

According to information received by The Indian Express, Pathirana had complained of pain in his right shoulder after the Pakistan match in Hyderabad. He has been scanned and is being monitored by the team physio since last week, but his condition has not improved. Pathirana has played two matches so far in the tournament and has taken only two wickets at the rate of around ten runs per over.

Matthews can play against Netherlands

Sri Lanka Cricket on Thursday declared former captain Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera as traveling reserves. Both of them will join the team on Friday morning. There is every possibility of Matthews playing against Netherlands. Chameera was not part of the 15-man squad due to a pectoral injury. He has now been declared completely fit.

Wanindu Hasaranga is sorely missed

Opener Kusal Perera, who played an aggressive innings of 78 runs against Australia, is also doubtful to play in Saturday’s game. He is still not 100 percent fit after being hit on the helmet by Marcus Stoinis’ ball. Sri Lanka is also missing leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.