Blow for Sri Lanka as Dasun Shanaka out of 2023 World Cup, Chamika Karunaratne drafted in as replacement
Sri Lanka have suffered a body blow as their captain Dasun Shanaka will miss the remaining matches of the 2023 World Cup. The seam-bowling all-rounder sustained a right thigh muscle injury during the six-wicket loss to Pakistan in Hyderabad.
As a result, bowling all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne has been added to the squad, having already been in the reserves. The injury blow comes for the 1996 World champions at a time when they remain one of the three teams yet to win a game.
Approving the change in their squad, the ICC Technical Committee issued a statement, saying (via Cricbuzz):
"Karunaratne, who has played 23 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Shanaka was ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury sustained during Sri Lanka's match against Pakistan on 10th October. The injury needs three weeks to recover."
Shanaka's most significant contribution with the bat came against South Africa at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, hitting 68 off 62 balls. However, Sri Lanka lost by 102 runs in pursuit of 428. The 32-year-old managed only 12 runs against Pakistan and went wicketless.
Kusal Mendis set to take over as Sri Lanka's captain
Keeper-batter Kusal Mendis will assume captaincy for the remaining part of the tournament. The right-hander has been in fearsome form in the two matches, hitting 76 and 122. His 65-ball hundred against Pakistan in Hyderabad is the fastest from the nation in World Cup history.
However, it went in vain as Pakistan chased down 345 with six wickets to spare. Mendis will captain them in a tough match against Australia on Monday, October 16, at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Australia are also yet to open their account and are coming off a 134-demolition at the hands of the Proteas. Both sides will be keen to get off the mark when they lock horns.