Big Highlight/ Massive setback for Sri Lanka! Malinga's successor ruled out of World Cup, veteran star roped in

The Sri Lanka Cricket team has encountered another setback in their ongoing ODI World Cup journey as one of their key fast bowlers has been sidelined from the competition. Sri Lanka's World Cup campaign had already been troubled, with them losing four out of their five matches so far. This recent development could potentially add to their challenges.

3 things you need to know

• Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the Cricket World Cup
• Angelo Matthews has been brought in as his replacement
• Sri Lanka are currently at the bottom of the points table

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Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of ODI World Cup

In response to the unfortunate injury of young pacer Matheesha Pathirana during their match against Pakistan on October 10 in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, Sri Lanka has made a strategic move by bringing in all-rounder Angelo Mathews as a replacement. Pathirana's shoulder injury has led to his withdrawal from the tournament, and the duration of his recovery remains uncertain. As a result of this development, Sri Lanka Cricket has made the decision to include Mathews in the main squad for the remainder of the competition. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had previously included Angelo Mathews and pacer Dushmantha Chameera as supplementary players to the squad to address potential injury concerns. This came after Matheesha Pathirana sustained an injury during Sri Lanka's six-wicket defeat at the hands of Pakistan in their ODI World Cup game in Hyderabad. Matheesha Pathirana conceded a whopping 90 runs in the match at an economy rate of 10.00.

In an official statement dated October 19, Sri Lanka Cricket stated, "Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to inform that Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera will be accompanying the team to India as traveling reserves. This decision was taken by the Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors to ensure that the team has readily available replacements to mitigate unforeseen circumstances, including injuries to current squad members. Consequently, Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera will join the team tomorrow."

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Matheesha Pathirana's injury

Leading up to the ODI World Cup 2023, Matheesha Patirana was in great form, which resulted in his inclusion in the main squad for the marquee ICC event. Pathirana came into the limelight with his remarkable performance for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) under the leadership of MS Dhoni.  Matheesha Pathirana not only had a brilliant season with the ball but also helped his team lift their record fifth IPL trophy. MS Dhoni backed him throughout during his two-month-long stint at CSK. However, the 20-year-old failed to deliver on the big stage as he managed to get only two wickets in as many games at the ODI World Cup.