Colombo

Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Vikram Rathour on Wednesday confirmed that right-arm speedster Matheesha Pathirana is almost ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup due to injury.

Addressing a pre-match press conference ahead of Sri Lanka’s final group encounter against Zimbabwe, Rathour indicated the seriousness of Pathirana’s condition.
“I think he has been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think the news will come out if it’s not already. As far as replacement is concerned, that is still being discussed,” he said.

Pathirana sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s group-stage match against Australia in Pallekele, where he was seen clutching his left leg mid-spell and was assisted off the field. He did not return to bowl in that innings.

According to ESPNcricinfo, scans have revealed a calf strain, an injury that could take several weeks to heal. However, the report added that the pacer’s availability for the Indian Premier League is not under threat at this stage.

In the match against Australia, Sri Lanka had opted to field after winning the toss. Australia posted 181 all out in 20 overs despite a 104-run opening stand led by skipper Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27 balls). Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell were the only other batters to cross the 20-run mark.

For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha (3/37) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/36) were the standout bowlers.

Chasing the target, Sri Lanka cruised to victory with eight wickets in hand, riding on an unbeaten century from Pathum Nissanka (100*), supported by Kusal Mendis (51) and Pavan Rathnayake (28*).

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With one win and two losses, Australia currently sit third in the group behind Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. A Zimbabwe victory over Ireland would confirm Australia’s exit from the tournament.