Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the match due to a grade three hamstring tear.© AFP
Sri Lanka have suffered a huge blow on the eve of the Asia Cup final against India as star spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the match due to a grade three hamstring tear. Theekshana will take no part in the final on Sunday 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 game against Pakistan, will not be available for the finals,” said a statement from ACC.
Theekshana went off the field multiple times while Sri Lanka was bowling. He was seen hobbling but completed his nine-over spell in the 42-over-per-side contest before being helped off the field by some Sri Lanka dugout members in the 39th over.
Theekshana’s injury adds to Sri Lanka woes. They are already without the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara.
Top-order batsman Sahan Arachchige will join the squad while Theekshana undergoes rehabilitation, Sri Lanka Cricket said.
Theekshana is Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker in ODIs in 2023 with 31 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 17.45.
He will undoubtedly be a key member of Sri Lanka’s 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad should he remain fit.
Teams have to submit their final teams for the mega event by September 28.
Sri Lanka will play two warm-up games, 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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