Sri Lanka faced a setback in their ODI World Cup campaign recently when their young pacer, Matheesha Pathirana, sustained an injury during a match against Pakistan. Pathirana had played a significant role in helping the Chennai Super Kings clinch their record-equalling fifth Indian Premier League title.
Unfortunately, this injury forced him to miss Sri Lanka’s previous two games against Australia and the Netherlands and subsequently ruled him out of the marquee event. Follow your favourite cricket team with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
The ‘Lankan Lions’ had a crucial decision to make, given Pathirana’s absence. They had the option of bringing in the experienced pacer, Dushmantha Chameera, as a replacement. However, the team management made a surprising move by opting for star all-rounder Angelo Mathews to fill the void left by the 20-year-old pacer.
Mathews, who was part of the Sri Lankan unit as a travelling reserve, received the nod to join the squad. His inclusion could lead to an immediate place in the playing XI when Kusal Mendis’ men take the field against England on Thursday, October 26 in Bengaluru.
Roshan Abeysinghe, a prominent Sri Lankan commentator, shared the news of Mathews’ selection on social media platform ‘X,’ stating, “Angelo Mathews will replace injured Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad for the ICC World Cup – 2023 being played in India.”
Angelo Mathews boasts a remarkable cricketing career, having previously represented Sri Lanka in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the ODI World Cup. Although he was initially left out of the squad for the 2023 edition, his extensive experience in 50-over cricket could prove invaluable to the Sri Lankan side.
Sri Lanka faced another challenge when their regular captain, Dasun Shanaka, was sidelined due to injury. As a result, Kusal Mendis stepped into the leadership role. With the addition of Mathews to the squad, Mendis has the opportunity to tap into Mathews’ vast cricketing knowledge and captaincy experience if needed. This could be a strategic move to bolster Sri Lanka’s campaign in the tournament. Get free cricket betting tips from Nextbet Sports.
