Sri Lanka are facing significant fitness concerns ahead of the third and final ODI against Pakistan, with several members of the squad unwell or injured. Captain Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are in doubt, and Kamindu Mendis could lead the team in the upcoming match.
Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the final ODI on Sunday, November 16 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the hosts having already clinched the series, Sri Lanka will be looking to avoid a clean sweep by securing a consolation win. The series is taking place amid a backdrop of security concerns and tension.
Sri Lanka face major fitness concerns ahead of the third and final ODI against Pakistan
According to a report in newswire.lk, Sri Lanka is battling fitness concerns ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan. Several members of the team are struggling with illness and minor injuries, raising questions over their availability.
Charith Asalanka is suffering from fever, while Wanindu Hasaranga is suffering from a hamstring problem. Kusal Mendis is likely to step in as captain for the final game of the series, which is a dead rubber after Pakistan won the contest 2-0.
“Captain Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are doubtful for Sri Lanka’s third ODI against Pakistan today with a number of players in the touring camp battling illness and minor injuries,” the report said.
“Team sources said Asalanka has fever, while Hasaranga has a hamstring problem. If Asalanka is ruled out, Kusal Mendis is expected to lead the team in the final ODI.”
Pawan Ratnayake is likely to make his debut for Sri Lanka
With many first-choice names unavailable or uncertain, the team may give young Pawan Ratnayake a maiden chance. Fast bowlers Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera are doubtful to play in the match.
Fernando is reportedly ill, while Chameera is suffering from a minor injury. These concerns further weaken an already strong bowling attack as Sri Lanka looks to avoid a clean sweep.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will go into the final ODI without any major injury problems. They are expected to maintain their winning combination. Shaheen Afridi will lead the team, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will be in the team. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will join the fast bowling attack.
Sri Lanka’s tour to Pakistan comes under uncertainty after Islamabad suicide bombing
Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan is thrown into uncertainty after a suicide bombing in Islamabad left 12 dead and 27 injured. At least eight Sri Lankan players sought permission to leave the country early, citing security fears.
However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) instructed the team to stay and warned that anyone who wishes to depart could face a formal review. The board took the decision after detailed discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, which assured enhanced security measures for the visiting team.
Players’ concerns were heightened by memories of the 2009 Lahore attack, when gunmen opened fire on Sri Lanka’s team bus and injured six players. That incident kept international teams away from Pakistan for almost a decade.
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