The Sri Lankan Cricket Team handed a big blow as their captain Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the entire World Cup 2023 due to an injury that he suffered during the match against Pakistan. Chamika Karauante has been named as his replacement on the ICC Technical Committee and gave approval for Shanaka.
Chamika Karauante has played 23 One-day international matches so far and would be hoping to give some options with bat and has the ability to hit big shots in death overs.
Kusal Mendis is likely to captain instead of Dasun Shanaka. The ICC Techincal Committee consists of Wasim Khan ( ICC General Manager), Chris Tetley ( ICC Head of Events), Hemang Amin (Acting CEO-BCCI), Gaurav Saxena ( General Manager Operations, BCCI), Russell Arnold and Simon Dull ( Independent Representative).
Sri Lanka suffered a 102-run loss to South Africa in the first match at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi while could not defend 344 against Pakistan at Hyderabad. The Lankan team is struggling with injuries as Hasranaga and Chameera were ruled out of the World Cup due to injuries.
Mahesh Theekshana did not play the first encounter against South Africa due to an injury he suffered in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan. Sri Lankan sports journalist Danushka Arvinda said “Sri Lanka Skipper Dasun Shanaka will not be available for the Next match against Australia due to injury Concern.”
Sri Lanka and Australia lost their first two matches. It will be an important encounter for both these two teams as a win will keep them alive in the race for the semi-final place in the 2023 World Cup.
Dasun Shanaka played a key role for his side against South Africa
Shanaka had a decent outing in the first match against South Africa with 68 while struggling in the second match against Pakistan scoring 12 off 18 deliveries. Sri Lanka has struggled with their bowling and would look for a better performance against five-time champions Australia.
Australia lost to India by 6 wickets at Chennai and then were handed 134 runs loss to South Africa at Lucknow. Sri Lanka would look for a much-improved performance as their batters are looking in great touch. Kusal Mendis made 122 while Sadeera Samawickrama scored 108 which laid a foundation that helped Sri Lanka post 344 for 9.
The loss of Dasun Shanaka will be a huge blow as their bowling looked toothless. The first match saw Sri Lanka concede a record score in World Cup history as South Africa posted 428 for 5. Sri Lanka could not defend 345 despite picking 2 early wickets of Imam and Babar.
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