Sri Lanka Cricket have scrapped veteran fast bowler Lasith Malinga ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019 but will play a crucial role in the capacity of a bowler. Dimuth Karunaratne, who hasn’t played ODI cricket in the last four years, will lead the side in the marquee event.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is going through a transition period, and nothing much is expected out of them in this World Cup. However, former Sri Lanka fast bowler Chaminda Vaas feels a lot will depend on how Lasith Malinga fares in the tournament. The veteran fast bowlers will be playing his fourth World Cup which is likely to be his last. So far, he has tallied 43 wickets at an impressive economy-rate of 5.32. Vass hailed Lasith Malinga saying that he is one of the best in the world and has been a great servant for Sri Lanka.
“There is no doubt that Malinga is one of the best in the world and the best in Sri Lanka. We depend on him as a bowler, and he showed his leadership qualities,” Vaas said to ICC’s official website.
Maling will be key for Sri Lanka: Vaas
Lasith Malinga recently entered the record books for picking ten wickets in two different games within 24hrs. The veteran fast bowler played a match against Chennai Super Kings on April 3, where his figures were 3-34 in his full quota. He then flew to Galle the next day to participate in the domestic limited-overs tournament and managed to get a spell of 7-49 against Kandy, his best bowling figures ever in List A cricket. Maling single-handedly led his domestic side Galle to a victory by 156 runs.
Furthermore, Chaminda Vaas spoke highly of Lasith Malinga’s commitment level. The former cricketer added that Malinga had given his full wherever he has played and once again the Sri Lankan fans will pin their hopes on their favourite bowler in the upcoming showpiece event.
“He has given 100 per cent for the team. We have seen him playing in Mumbai (in IPL) on one day and playing in Sri Lanka (in a domestic tournament) the next day. It shows the commitment he has and the commitment he has to the team and the country. He will be the key for Sri Lanka cricket in the upcoming World Cup,” he concluded.
Sri Lanka will begin their World Cup campaign on June 1 against New Zealand at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
