ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Massive boost for Sri Lanka as Maheesh Theekshana set to return in PAK vs SL clash

Maheesh Theekshana suffered a hamstring injury in the Asia Cup 2023.

In a massive boost to Sri Lanka before their second league game of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana is set to back in their playing XI against Pakistan. Maheesh Theekshana was out of the playing XI against South Africa in the opening game due to a hamstring injury and was still recovering. Sri Lanka will be playing their second league game against Pakistan at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Sri Lanka suffered a crushing defeat against South Africa in Delhi.

Sri Lankan assistant coach Naveed Nawaz informed reporters during the pre-match press conference, “He’s fit and should play tomorrow. We didn’t want to risk him in the first game against medical advice, but he should be ready here.” Maheesh Theekshana sustained a hamstring strain while playing in Asia Cup 2023 super 4 round game against Pakistan, which made him miss Asia Cup 2023 finals against India as well.

Sri Lanka missed Maheesh Theekshana vs South Africa  

Maheesh Theekshana was missed badly by Sri Lankans against South Africa in Delhi. Proteas batting-order smashed a record-breaking 428 runs against Sri Lankan bowlers. Rassie van der Dussen (108), Aiden Markram (106), and Quinton de Kock (100) scored centuries, and no Sri Lankan bowler was good enough to stop them. South Africa piled up big runs and ended up scoring the highest-ever total by a team in a World Cup game.

Sri Lankan assistant coach Naveed Nawaz has cautioned his team to be ready for a similar surface and also to tackle pressure during the game. Nawaz said, “It is simple. We expect to face similar pitches. They are not going to change. It is going to be batting-friendly mostly, and we have to look at our execution and see how we could pull back 50–60 runs. We have to keep the group positive.” Sri Lanka suffered a 102-run defeat against South Africa.

Sri Lanka are already without their best spin bowler, Wanindu Hasaranga. Hasaranga is out of the World Cup due to injury, and they cannot afford to lose their other best in the business. Maheesh Theekshana has great IPL experience playing for Chennai Super Kings and did a great job for his IPL franchise in the T20 format. Theekshana will be key for Sri Lanka in their World Cup campaign.