Sri Lanka cricketers fall sick after SLC’s mental torture to continue Pakistan tour following bomb blast

Sri Lanka are facing significant fitness concerns ahead of the third and final ODI match against Pakistan, with several squad members unwell or injured. Captain Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are among those in doubt, and Kamindu Mendis might lead the team in the upcoming match.

Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the final ODI at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 16. With the series already sealed by the hosts, Sri Lanka will be looking to avoid a clean sweep by securing a consolation win. The series is taking place amid the 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 by the newswire.lk, Sri Lanka are dealing with fitness concerns ahead of the third ODI against Pakistan. Several members of the squad are managing illness and minor injury issues, raising questions about their availability.

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Charith Asalanka is suffering from a fever, while Wanindu Hasaranga is struggling with a hamstring concern. Kusal Mendis is likely to step in as captain for the final game of the series, which is a dead rubber after Pakistan sealed the contest 2-0.

"Captain Charith Asalanka and all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga are doubtful starters for Sri Lanka’s 3rd ODI against Pakistan today, as multiple players in the touring camp continue to battle illness and minor injuries," the report stated.

"Team sources said Asalanka is down with fever, while Hasaranga is carrying a hamstring niggle. If Asalanka is ruled out, Kusal Mendis is expected to lead the side in the final ODI."

Sri Lanka Likely To Hand Debut To Pavan Ratnayake

With multiple first-choice names unavailable or uncertain, the team is likely to hand a debut to young Pavan Ratnayake. Fast bowlers Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera are doubtful for the match.

Fernando is reportedly ill, while Chameera is managing a minor injury niggle. These concerns further weaken an already stretched bowling attack as Sri Lanka look to avoid a clean sweep.

Meanwhile, Pakistan will enter the final ODI with no major injury issues. They are expected to retain their winning combination. Shaheen Afridi will lead the side, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the squad. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah will feature in the pace bowling attack.

Sri Lanka’s Tour of Pakistan Came Under Uncertainty After the Islamabad Suicide Bombing

Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan came under uncertainty after a suicide bombing in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 27. At least eight Sri Lankan players requested permission to leave the country early, citing security fears.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) instructed the squad to stay on, warning that anyone who chose to depart could face a formal review. The board made the decision following detailed discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board, which assured enhanced security measures for the visiting team.

The players’ concerns were heightened by memories of the 2009 Lahore attack, when gunmen opened fire on Sri Lanka’s team bus and wounded six players. That incident kept international teams away from Pakistan for nearly a decade.

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