Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of Asia Cup final due to hamstring injury | Cricket News

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana has been ruled out of the Asia Cup final after he suffered an injury blow in their Super 4 match against Pakan while trying to stop a ball from going to the boundary, despite the injury and discomfort in his run-up he went on to complete his spell on the night.
“Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the game against Pakan, will not be available for the finals,” said Sri Lankan Cricket in a statement.
“A scan was done and confirmed the muscle injury. 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.”
28-year-old Sahan Arachchige has played two ODIs for Sri Lanka.
Theekshana has picked up eight wickets from five games at an average of 29.1 in the ongoing tournament. He has taken the new ball for Sri Lanka and has been making the inroads early on in helpful Colombo surfaces.Most Read
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Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana dives to stop a ball as Pakan’s Mohammad Rizwan watches during the Asia Cup cricket match bet ween Pakan and Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka on Thursday, Sept.14, 2023. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Though Matheesha Pathirana has stepped up for Sri Lanka in the tournament and has been the leading wicket-tacker and played a key part Theekshana would be a big loss for Sri Lanka as they have already been hit injuries to their prime bowlers and lack experience in their bowling group for the Asia Cup and his injury will also be a concern going into the World Cup in India starting next month.
Sri Lanka after their thrilling win against Pakan on Thursday will take on India in the final on Sunday. However, despite their batting stepping up against Pakan Dasun Shanaka and Dhananjeya de Silva’s form have been concerning for Sri Lanka in the tournament. Because of their poor form, they have made the easily winnable games into a bit of a dogfight.

Rohit Sharma’s men, on the other hand, looked like a near-perfect team while batting first and defending them, however, on Friday against Bangladesh the way they failed to chase down a mediocre total showed there is a chink in their armoury which can be exploited.