IND vs SL, Asia Cup Final: Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana will miss the Asia Cup 2023 final against India due to a hamstring injury, as confirmed by the Sri Lanka Cricket board on Saturday. In preparation for the final on Sunday, September 17, Sri Lanka have included 27-year-old off-spinner Sahan Arachchige in their squad. Theekshana sustained a right hamstring injury while fielding in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s match against Pakistan. He will now undergo rehabilitation at the High-Performance Center.
During the rain-affected Super 4s match against Pakistan, Maheesh Theekshana left the field multiple times due to a hamstring injury. Despite his discomfort, he completed his nine-over spell in the 42-over game and was assisted off the field in the 39th over by Sri Lanka team members. Sri Lanka secured a thrilling last-ball victory against Pakistan, earning them a spot in the forthcoming high-stakes final.
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Theekshana had been among the top 10 wicket-takers in the Asia Cup 2023, claiming 8 wickets in 5 matches for Sri Lanka, ranking just behind Matheesha Pathirana with 11 wickets and left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage with 10 wickets.
Theekshana’s injury is a significant setback for Sri Lanka ahead of the final, as he was instrumental with both new-ball and death-ball bowling for the team. Now, Dasun Shanaka will need to find an effective new-ball bowler to face India’s formidable top-order, which displayed excellent form against Pakistan.
This injury compounds Sri Lanka’s problems as they prepare for the 2023 World Cup. They are already missing key players such as Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka, and Lahiru Kumara. Sri Lanka is yet to announce their World Cup squad, and these injuries to their front-line bowlers raise significant concerns despite their impressive performance in reaching the Asia Cup final.
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