Sri Lanka got a massive boost ahead of their second match of the ICC World Cup 2023 against Pakistan at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, India on Tuesday.
Key spinner Maheesh Theekshana is likely to mark his return in the starting XI after missing the Islanders’ tournament opener against South Africa where his team was handed a massive 102-run defeat.
Sri Lanka’s assistant coach Naveed Nawaz has confirmed that Theekshana is likely to be part of the playing XI that will take on the Green Shirts in an important match as the Lankans will look forward to making up for their defeat against the Proteas.
"He's fit and should play tomorrow," Nawaz said on the eve of the match. "Didn't want to risk him in the first game against medical advice but he should be ready here."
Just after losing to the Proteas in Delhi, the Lankan side had to take a 12-hour long flight to Hyderabad to prepare for their second match and Nawaz believes that his side will be put under pressure once again. Dehli
"It's simple, we expect to face similar pitches," he said. "They're not going to change; it's going to be batting-friendly mostly. We have to look at our execution and see how we could've pulled back another 50-60 runs.
“We have to keep the group positive, that is most important. It's a long tournament, we're going to be playing, travelling and doing other things for over a month. We just have to take the learnings from each game and move forward."
Theekshana’s inclusion in the playing XI will be significant for Sri Lanka as with 44 wickets to his name in just 27 One Day International (ODI) matches, the 23-year-old is one of the most important bowlers for the Islanders.
Sri Lanka are already without their all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who couldn’t make it to the World Cup squad following a hamstring injury.
His place was taken by the youngster Dunith Wellalage, who introduced himself to the world after dismantling India’s top order in the Asia Cup 2023 held last month.
Sri Lanka squad for World Cup
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
