Theekshana out of Asia Cup final with Grade 2 hamstring injury

Sri Lanka, who began the tournament with almost their second-string pace unit, has had further injuries. 23-year-old mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana has now been ruled out of the Asia Cup final against India with a Grade Two hamstring injury. The spinner hobbled off the field during the side’s tense win over Pakistan in the first innings. 

"Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the game against Pakistan, will not be available for the finals. A scan was done and confirmed the muscle injury," SLC stated in their press release.

"Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors have brought in Sahan Arachchige into the squad in place of Theekshana. Theekshana will return to the High Performance Center to commence rehabilitation work," it added.

While he was padded up in case a need arose, Charith Asalanka rose up to be Sri Lanka’s hero in the narrow two-wicket win over Pakistan in their last Super Four clash here in Colombo. Sahan Arachchige, who made his ODI debut earlier in the year, has been called up as his replacement. 

Arachchige made an instant impact in his second ODI, scoring a classy 57 in the clash against the Netherlands. The left-hander looked like a million dollar, and his inclusion could well and truly bolster Sri Lanka’s batting unit, which failed to chase a paltry total against India the last time these two sides met each other. 

However, with Theekshana injured, Sri Lanka have to figure out a way to counter India’s strong top-order, considering how their woes with the new ball have been highlighted. All hopes are pinned on the shoulders of Pramod Madhushan.

*More to follow*