Sri Lanka’s premier pacer Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match in the 2025 Asia Cup. After losing against Bangladesh, the island nation needs to win the do-or-die clash against Pakistan at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Matheesha Pathirana out of PAK vs SL match
Given Dunith Wellalage’s performance, it was expected that Charith Asalanka and Sanath Jayasuriya would make a change to Sri Lanka’s playing XI. Given the pace-friendly nature of the pitch in Abu Dhabi, Pathirana could have been brought in. But that won’t happen now.
An hour before the toss for the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka match was to be flicked, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) informed that Pathirana won’t be available for selection.
“Matheesha Pathirana is unwell and will not be available for selection for today’s game against Pakistan. He did not take part in team practice sessions during the last two days and is currently under medical treatment,” SLC said in a statement.
Considering Pathirana is unavailable for selection, Sri Lanka might be tempted to bring in Binura Fernando. The left-arm pacer can bowl the new ball in tandem with Nuwan Thushara. This would mean that Sri Lanka will have the option to bowl 16 overs of pace, with Dushmantha Chameera and Dasun Shanaka being the two other options.
If Asalanka feels spin can do the trick, he can bring Maheesh Theekshana into the side, replacing Wellalage. The mystery spinner has played just one match in the Asia Cup but could be a handful against Pakistani batters.
Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup squad
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Kamil Mishara, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Janith Liyanage.
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