Sri Lankan start batsman Kusal Mendis has been ruled out of tomorrow’s match against Pakistan.
He will be sidelined for four weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Earlier, Sri Lanka’s key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was also ruled out of the tournament because of an injury.
Mendis had reportedly been cleared to play before the match against New Zealand and was included in the squad after passing a late fitness test.
His absence will force Sri Lanka to make changes to their batting line-up, with Kamil Mishra expected to take over wicket-keeping duties.
It is also being suggested that Mendis will miss the series against Afghanistan following the World Cup and may be rested further to aid his recovery.
Having already been knocked out of the semi-final race, Sri Lanka will look to end their T20 World Cup campaign on a positive note against Pakistan.
Pakistan’s chances to reach semi-final
Pakistan’s rising star bowler Salman Mirza is hopeful that the team can still reach the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup.
Speaking at a press conference in Kandy, Mirza said that Pakistan still has a chance to qualify for the semi-finals, but it is no longer entirely in their control.
He added that Pakistan had an opportunity to win their match against England, but could not capitalise on it. “If we had taken two more wickets against England, we would have won the game,” he said.
Commenting on social media trolling directed at Captain Salman Ali Agha and his family, Mirza said that targeting someone’s family is shameful and unacceptable.
The Super Eight stage of the ICC T20 World Cup is currently underway. England has qualified for the semi-finals from Group 2, while New Zealand is on the verge of reaching the final four. However, Pakistan still has a slim chance of advancing to the next stage.
Today, a crucial match between England and New Zealand is being played in Colombo. The eyes of Pakistani fans and the national team are fixed on the outcome, as the Green Shirts’ last hope depends on a favourable result and a strong performance in their remaining matches.
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