Sri Lanka could suffer a big blow with the promising left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka likely getting ruled out of the T20 World Cup. The 22-year-old suffered a quadriceps tear hours before today’s tournament opener between Sri Lanka and Namibia.
The player was sent to get an MRI scan after he hobbled off during a practice session on Saturday. It is unlikely that he can recover in time to play any part in the tournament and could be replaced in the 15-member squad.
Madushanka made his international debut only recently during the Asia Cup, where he was mighty impressive, picking seven wickets from six games at an economy of 7.75.
The seamer bowled at a good pace in the Asia Cup, swung the ball up front, brought variety to the attack with a left-arm angle and could hold his own in death overs. He basically became Sri Lanka’s second-best option after Dushmantha Chameera and was likely to start in the playing XI in Sunday’s clash.
Sri Lanka’s other seam options in the squad include Lahiru Kumara and Pramod Madushan. As for the potential replacement in the squad, another left-arm quick Binura Fernando, who is in the reserves, could be the beneficiary.
The Lankan lions had a spectacular campaign in the Asia Cup 2022, where they won five matches on the trot to clinch the title. But despite that, they will have to go through the first round of the T20 World Cup to reach the main stage, which is Super 12s. Sri Lanka are grouped with the UAE, Namibia and Netherlands.
