Asia Cup 2023, IND Vs SL Final: Maheesh Theekshana Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury
Maheesh Theekshana, the ace spinner for the Lankan Lions, suffered a hamstring injury during the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2023, Super 4 match on Thursday, which means he will miss Sunday’s Asia Cup Final against India.
Theekshana injured his right hamstring during the intense game against the Men in Green, and yesterday he was scheduled to get a scan to determine the extent of the injury. According to social media rumors, he has a grade two hamstring strain and is now immediately replaced in the squad by Sahan Arachchige.
After Kusal Mendis (91) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (48) laid the groundwork with a century stand, Charith Asalanka struck a magnificent unbeaten 49 to lead the defending champions Sri Lanka to a two-wicket triumph over Pakistan.
For the eleventh time in Asia Cup history, Sri Lanka will face India in the championship game. This is their second consecutive final.
After Pakistan had recovered from 130/5 to post 252 thanks to a memorable rearguard partnership between Mohammad Rizwan (86 not out) and Iftikhar Ahmed (47), Sri Lanka rode on a strong performance by their middle order to win the rain-shortened 42-overs-a-side match well past midnight.
But Sri Lanka managed to make it through the final two overs despite some tense moments. And Kusal Mendis was responsible for keeping Sri Lanka’s innings together and ensuring their victory.
Maheesh Theekshana injury would be a matter of concern for Sri Lanka ahead of ODI World Cup in India
The spinner is a key part of Sri Lanka’s ODI setup. He is their highest wicket-taker in ODIs in 2023 with 31 scalps in 15 matches at an average of 17.45.
Theekshana 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 tournament by September 28.
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