Sri Lanka have been dealt with a big blow as Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final. The final will be played at Colombo between the Islanders and the Men in Blue. The wrist-spinner picked up a hamstring strain when he was fielding against Pakistan in Sri Lanka's nervy two-wicket win.
"Maheesh Theekshana has strained his right hamstring. The player will undergo a scan tomorrow to fully assess his condition," Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) posted on X (Twitter) on Thursday. Things were not easy for Theekshana in that game because he stepped out of the field on several occasions. The leg-spinner was seen hobbling on one leg in the match against Pakistan.
He had to be taken off the field by some Sri Lankan members to the dugout in the 39th over. Theekshana has been a weapon for Sri Lanka as the batters in the Asia Cup have not been able to pick him. His action and his change of pace makes it very difficult to play him. Theekshana made his debut for Sri Lanka against South Africa in a T20I on home soil and he has not looked back ever since.
Sri Lanka lost four of their players ahead of Asia Cup 2023
Sri Lanka's long list of injuries only keeps adding up as they are already without the services of Dushmantha Chameera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara and Lahiru Madushanka. The final of the Asia Cup 2023 will have a reserve day in place in case the weather in Colombo plays spoilsport.
The Men from the Emerald Isle have punched above their weight and have made it to the final. Sri Lanka have won five Asia Cup titles. India on the other hand lost a thriller to Bangladesh by 6 runs. Shubman Gill made a stellar 121 off 133 balls with eight fours and five sixes. But it was in vain. The main difference in the match was that the Bangladesh lower order wagged to get to 265-8.
The Indian lower order on the other hand could not put up a fight despite Axar Patel making 42 off 34 balls with three fours and two sixes. The Men in Blue have been given a sharp wake-up call ahead of the big final.
Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:
Ye kya masla ha yar sab main players cup se bahar ho rahe pahle southe or ab ye ak din main 2 news
— Asad ali (@Asadali43045206) September 16, 2023
Which bowler will replace him in the final ?
— Popat Hamhead (@Rasgullah786) September 16, 2023
Bahut Bura Hua Bro... pic.twitter.com/FvAZl4o6ff
— Mr_Platonicc (@Mr_Platonicc) September 16, 2023
Wellalage akela kaafi hai 🥲
— Vanshika Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@Vanshika_2807) September 16, 2023
sri lankan team managemnet responsible for this...they made him bowl even after his injury
— Levinho (@LebronJ76161942) September 16, 2023
Bhai jisey dekho woh injure hi ho raha hai
— Khush 🇮🇳 (@JalsaKaroYaar) September 16, 2023
ye player sahi tha ,
— 𝐴𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑎𝑦_𝐸𝑥𝑐ℎ_𝐼𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑎🇮🇳 (@AstroPay_India) September 16, 2023
CSgays crying in comment box
— HoneyBae (@Honeybae5555) September 16, 2023
Abhi iske replacement me 1 aur debutant aayega aur 4 wicket leke jaayega
— Aditya Suru (@adityasuru) September 16, 2023
List of injured players for Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
W Hasaranga
D Chameera
C Karunaratne
L Kumara
M Theekshana— Ankan Samanta (@Ankansontu) September 16, 2023