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Sri Lanka's Pathirana Injured in T20 World Cup, Casts Shadow Over Hosts' Campaign

Sri Lanka secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup, powered by a brilliant century from Pathirum Nissanka. The win was marred by an injury to key fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who limped off the field without completing his first over with a suspected hamstring issue. This adds to Sri Lanka's injury woes, as they are already without captain Wanindu Hasaranga for the tournament. The defeat leaves Australia in a precarious position, needing other results to go their way to avoid an early exit from the competition.

Key Points: Pathirana Injury Scare for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup

  • Pathirana injured in first over
  • Sri Lanka already missing Hasaranga
  • Nissanka's century seals win
  • Australia face early exit
  • Zimbabwe could eliminate Aussies
2 min read

T20 World Cup: Another injury scare for Sri Lanka as Pathirana limps off without completing his first over

Sri Lanka pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana limps off with a hamstring injury against Australia, a major blow for the T20 World Cup co-hosts.

"Pathirana's suspected hamstring injury... may have left the former champions without their fastest bowler - ICC report"

Pallekele, February 17

Co-hosts, Sri Lanka, may suffer a huge blow as their pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana limped off without completing his first over during the match against Australia held at Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka, according to the ICC.

Pathirana's suspected hamstring injury durig the match on Monday may have left the former champions without their fastest bowler for the rest of the tournament. However, no official confirmation has come yet from the Sri Lankan cricket board on Pathirana's injury.

The co-hosts are already without Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out earlier in the tournament due to injury.

The 23-year-old pulled up in his follow-through while delivering the fourth ball of his opening over and immediately clutched his left leg before going to ground. After on-field treatment, he was helped off the field. Captain Dasun Shanaka finished the over.

Coming to the match, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. An 104-run stand between a returning skipper, Mitchell Marsh (54 in 27 balls, with eight fours and two sixes) started off things for Australia, but Aussies could not make the most of this perfect headstart as they were skittled out for 181 runs in 20 overs, with Josh Inglis (27 in 22 balls, with three fours) and Glenn Maxwell (22 in 15 balls, with a four and a six) being the only ones to touch the 20-run mark later.

Dushan Hemantha (3/37 in four overs) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/36 in four overs) were the top bowlers for Sri Lanka.

In the run-chase, Perera fell early, but Nissanka (100* in 52 balls, with 10 fours and five sixes), Kusal Mendis (51 in 38 balls, with six fours and a six), and Pavan Rathnayake (28* in 15 balls, with six fours) took Sri Lanka to the target with eight wickets and two overs left.

Australia are third in the group with one win and two losses, behind table-toppers SL and Zimbabwe, who have won both their matches. If Zimbabwe win their clash against Ireland on Tuesday, the Aussies will be out of the tournament.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From a neutral fan's perspective, it's sad to see key players getting injured. It takes away from the competition. That said, what an incredible chase by SL! Nissanka's century was pure class. They won despite the injury, which shows great spirit.
A
Arjun K
Hamstring injuries are the worst for fast bowlers. The way he pulled up, it didn't look good at all. Sri Lanka's bowling attack is getting thinner by the day. They really need to look at their fitness and workload management. This is happening too often.
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Priyanka N
Feel so bad for the young lad. Only 23 and already facing such a big setback in a home World Cup. The team fought brilliantly though! Nissanka was on fire! 🔥 Australia might be out if Zimbabwe wins? That's a shocking turn of events!
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Michael C
As an Australian supporter, this is a tough pill to swallow. Our batting collapsed after a great start. Marsh was good but others failed. Now our fate depends on another match. Credit to Sri Lanka for a fantastic win under pressure.
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Karthik V
The real story is Australia possibly getting knocked out! Never thought I'd see the day in a group stage. Zimbabwe playing great cricket. SL's win was comprehensive, but these injuries are a worry for the knockouts. Need Pathirana fit.

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