Injury – Sri Lanka Face Pathirana Setback After Australia Clash
Injury – Sri Lanka’s hopes of maintaining momentum in the ongoing Asia Cup suffered an unexpected jolt after fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana walked off the field injured during their match against Australia at Pallekele International Stadium on Monday.
Pathirana Leaves Field After First Over
The 23-year-old pacer appeared to strain his hamstring while completing his run-up during the fourth delivery of his opening over. Television visuals showed Pathirana clutching his left leg before collapsing to the turf. Team medical staff attended to him briefly on the field, but he was unable to continue and had to be escorted back to the dressing room. Captain Dasun Shanaka stepped in to finish the remainder of the over.
While the extent of the injury is yet to be officially confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket, early indications suggest it could be a hamstring issue. If ruled serious, the injury may sideline one of Sri Lanka’s quickest bowlers for the remainder of the tournament, a significant concern for the co-hosts.
Injury Woes Mount for Co-Hosts
The development adds to Sri Lanka’s growing list of injury setbacks in the competition. Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga had already been ruled out earlier due to fitness issues, forcing the team management to reshuffle combinations.
Pathirana’s pace and ability to deliver in the powerplay have been central to Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy. Losing him at this stage could disrupt team balance, especially as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Marsh Leads Australia’s Strong Start
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bowl first. Australia began aggressively, thanks largely to captain Mitchell Marsh. Returning to the side, Marsh played a brisk innings of 54 runs off just 27 balls, striking eight boundaries and two sixes. He shared a 104-run opening partnership that briefly put Australia in a commanding position.
However, once the breakthrough came, Sri Lanka’s bowlers clawed their way back into the contest. Australia struggled to rebuild momentum and lost wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out for 181 in their allotted 20 overs.
Josh Inglis contributed 27 from 22 deliveries, while Glenn Maxwell added 22 from 15 balls, but neither could convert their starts into a match-defining knock.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Stage Comeback
Dushan Hemantha was instrumental in shifting the momentum, finishing with figures of 3 for 37 in his four overs. Dushmantha Chameera provided valuable support, claiming 2 for 36. The disciplined bowling effort ensured Australia could not fully capitalize on their strong opening stand.
Sri Lanka’s fielding unit also maintained pressure in the latter stages, preventing the Australian middle order from accelerating during the death overs.
Nissanka Anchors Clinical Chase
In response, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Kusal Perera departed cheaply. However, Pathum Nissanka steadied the innings with a commanding unbeaten century. His 100 not out came off 52 balls and included 10 fours and five sixes, showcasing both composure and attacking flair.
Kusal Mendis played a crucial supporting role with a measured 51 off 38 balls, while Pavan Rathnayake added a quick unbeaten 28 from 15 deliveries. The trio guided Sri Lanka to the target with eight wickets in hand and two overs to spare, underlining the team’s batting depth.
Group Standings and Qualification Scenario
The result places Sri Lanka at the top of the group standings alongside Zimbabwe, with both teams registering two wins each. Australia, meanwhile, sit third with one victory and two defeats.
Australia’s qualification hopes now hinge on the outcome of Zimbabwe’s upcoming fixture against Ireland. A win for Zimbabwe would eliminate Australia from the tournament.
For Sri Lanka, attention will now turn to medical updates on Pathirana. With the competition approaching the knockout stage, the availability of key players could play a decisive role in shaping their campaign.