Asia Cup Final: Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana ruled out of match against India

Sri Lanka have been dealt with a blow ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup final after spinner Maheesh Theekshana was ruled out of the tournament decider with a hamstring injury. Theekshana had sustained the injury while trying to prevent a boundary during Sri Lanka’s Super Four match against Pakistan. In spite of the injury, Theekshana went onto register figures of 1/42 from nine overs. “Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the game against Pakistan, will not be available for the finals,” said a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). “A scan was done and confirmed the muscle injury. Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors have brought in Sahan Arachchige into the squad in place of Theekshana. “Theekshana will return to the High Performance Center to commence rehabilitation work," it added.

🚨 Injury update 🚨

Maheesh Theekshana, who strained his right hamstring during the game against Pakistan, will not be available for the finals.

A scan was done and confirmed the muscle injury.

Sri Lanka Cricket Selectors have brought in Sahan Arachchige into the squad in… pic.twitter.com/7nSzGhHic2

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) September 16, 2023

Sahan Arachchige, 28, has played two ODIs for Sri Lanka having made his 50-over debut against West Indies in July. Theekshana, meanwhile, was in fine form, having taken eight wickets from five games in the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka take on India in the Asia Cup final in Colombo on Sunday.