For their ODI World Cup 2023 league-stage encounter versus Pakistan on Tuesday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana is anticipated to rejoin their playing XI.
Theeksana suffered an injury during Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match versus Pakistan and was thus unable to compete in the match versus India, where the Dasun Shanaka-led team ultimately lost by a score of 10 wickets. The nation’s opening ODI World Cup encounter versus South Africa in 2023 saw the 23-year-old left off the pitch.
Sri Lankan assistant coach Naveed Nawaz spoke to the media ahead of Sri Lanka’s clash against Pakistan. He said, “I think he should be available for this game. We didn’t want to take a risk with him in the first game and didn’t want to go against the advice of the medicals, so I’m sure he’ll be available for this one.”
Maheesh Theekshana played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup semi-final-advancing last-ball triumph over Pakistan. He dismissed Mohammad Nawaz during the first innings while also giving up 42 runs within nine overs.
“Dunith has had to face a lot of responsibility”: Naveed Nawaz
In five games at the Asia Cup, which was played in Pakistan as well as Sri Lanka, the bowler claimed eight wickets. He was also crucial to Sri Lanka’s triumph in a World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe previously this year. Theekshana will team alongside left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage in future games, and because of the subcontinental conditions, the pair will be heavily relied upon.
Dunith Wellalage is still young and inexperienced but can rattle the best of batters. He surely showed his class against India last month. Despite Wellalage giving up 81 runs versus South Africa, assistant coach Naveed Nawaz lauded him.
He said, “Dunith has had to face a lot of responsibility, where he’s been pushed up as the main bowler in the last couple of games. I think he reacted exceptionally well.”
Fans react as Maheesh Theekshana set to return for Sri Lanka against Pakistan during ODI World Cup 2023:
Maheesh Theekshana likely to play tomorrow against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/RE5NjCEuVE
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 9, 2023
Koi baat nahi hum na Bumrah ko T20 world cup main nhi choran tha ya kiya cheez ha
— Sadam rana (@Sadamrana10) October 9, 2023
To Destroy their Batting
— Pandu Raj (@CSKianPanduRaj) October 9, 2023
Welcome Back … Good contest ahead then
— anees ur rehman (@an33s) October 9, 2023
Great news for Sri Lanka ?
— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) October 9, 2023
He can play very crucial Role against PAK.
— ??M?? ???????? (@PKMKB_93K) October 9, 2023
Pakistan shivering ?
— jay shah (parody) (@jay_shahbcci) October 9, 2023
Good news meanwhile Pak pic.twitter.com/D4PD7KT3mj
— Aasim Farooqui (@AsmFar07) October 9, 2023
Owner of Team36 likely to play tomorrow against father of team36 ????
— ???? ???? ? (@THORthayaar) October 9, 2023
CSK blood take some rest we need you fully fit for IPL
— Mustafa (@Mustafasays_) October 9, 2023
