Sri Lanka is facing significant health concerns ahead of the third and final ODI match against Pakistan, with several team members unwell or injured. Captain Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are among the doubters and Kamindu Mendis could lead the team in the upcoming match.
Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the final ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 16. With the series already sealed by the hosts, Sri Lanka will look to avoid a clean sweep by securing a consolation win. The series is set against the backdrop of security problems and tensions.
Sri Lanka are facing major fitness concerns ahead of the third and final ODI against Pakistan
According to a report by newswire.lk, Sri Lanka is facing fitness issues ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan. Several members of the squad are dealing with illness and minor injuries, raising questions about their availability.
Charith Asalanka is battling a fever, while Wanindu Hasaranga is battling a hamstring injury. Kusal Mendis is likely to captain for the final match of the series, which is a dead rubber after Pakistan finished the match 2-0.
“Captain Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are doubtful starters for Sri Lanka’s 3rd ODI against Pakistan today as several players continue to battle illness and minor injuries in the touring camp,” the report said.
“Team sources said Asalanka is down with fever while Hasaranga has a hamstring injury. If Asalanka is ruled out, Kusal Mendis is expected to lead the side in the final ODI.”
Sri Lanka is likely to make debut to Pavan Ratnayake
With several first-choice names unavailable or uncertain, the team is likely to hand a debut to young Pavan Ratnayake. Fast bowlers Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera are doubtful for the match.
Fernando is reportedly ill, while Chameera is nursing a minor injury. These concerns further weaken an already long-standing bowling attack as Sri Lanka look to avoid a clean sweep.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will enter the final ODI without any major injury problems. They are expected to keep their winning combination. Shaheen Afridi will lead the team, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the squad. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will play a role in the pace bowling attack.
Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan came under uncertainty following the suicide bombing in Islamabad
Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan was thrown into uncertainty after a suicide bombing in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 27. At least eight Sri Lankan players sought permission to leave the country early, citing security fears.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) instructed the squad to stay on and warned that anyone who chose to leave would face a formal assessment. The board took the decision after detailed discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, which ensured enhanced security measures for the visiting team.
The players’ concerns were heightened by memories of the 2009 attack in Lahore, when gunmen opened fire on the Sri Lanka team bus and injured six players. That incident kept international teams away from Pakistan for almost a decade.
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