Lahiru Kumara ruled out of remainder of World Cup qualifiers with side strain

Days after losing Dushmantha Chameera to injury, Sri Lanka have been dealt with yet another body blow as tearaway quick Lahiru Kumara has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2023 World Cup qualifiers with a side strain. Kumara, who picked at least one wicket in each of the five qualifier matches he played, suffered the injury during the clash against Netherlands. 

“Lahiru Kumara, who suffered a side strain during the match against the Netherlands, will not take part in the remainder of the tournament. He will return home and start his rehabilitation process at the High Performance Center of the RPICS,” Sri Lanka said in an official statement.

Kumara, SLC confirmed, will be replaced in the squad by Sahan Arachchige. Arachchige, however, is not a like-for-like replacement, for he is a batting all-rounder that bowls off-spin.

Despite injury concerns, Dasun Shanaka’s side are in pole position to qualify for the 2023 World Cup. They are yet to lose a game in these qualifiers and are top of the table in the Super Six stage, with six points to their name. One more victory will guarantee qualification for Shanaka’s side. 

They next take on Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Sunday, July 2nd.