ICC World Cup 2023: Dasun Shanaka To Be Available For SA vs SL Clash; Kusal Perera Might Miss The Match- Reports

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka is expected to be available during the opening match against South Africa in the ICC World Cup 2023. However, Kusal Perera is doubtful for the tournament opener.

Sri Lanka will start their stint in ICC World Cup 2023 with a clash against South Africa on Saturday, October 7. The match takes place at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. ICC World Cup 2023 begins on October 5.

Also Read: Muttiah Muralitharan Picks This Team Ahead Of Sri Lanka As His Favourite To Win The World Cup

Dasun Shanaka And Kusal Perera Got Injured In Warm-Up Match

Dasun Shanaka and Kusal Perera got injured during the warm-up match against Bangladesh recently. The duo were also absent from the warm-up match against Afghanistan on Tuesday, in which Sri Lanka lost by 6 wickets.

According to reports, Dasun Shanaka will be back in the team in the tournament opener against South Africa. However, Kusal Perera is expected to miss the match. Perera has sustained a shoulder injury.

Also Read: Trouble For Sri Lanka As Kusal Perera Suffers Shoulder Injury During World Cup Warm-Up Match, Retires Hurt

He underwent a shoulder surgery last year. Hence, the management doesn’t want to risk his comeback. As a result, Dimuth Karunaratne might play as an opener for Sri Lanka in the clash against South Africa, replacing Perera.

“Captain Dasun Shanaka is not taking part in today’s warm-up game, as the player is recovering from a ‘strain’ he experienced on his left elbow following the warm-up game vs. Bangladesh. He is under medical treatment and is in the process of recovery.

Kusal Janith Perera, who experienced pain on his ‘right shoulder’, during Sri Lanka’s warm-up game against Bangladesh, is currently under medical treatment and is in the process of recovery,” the management had said ahead of warm-up match against Afghanistan. 

The good news for Sri Lanka is that Maheesh Theekshana is back on the team and will be available throughout ICC World Cup 2023. Off-spinner Theekshana missed Asia Cup 2023 due to injury and will join the squad ahead of ICC World Cup 2023.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka played two warm-up matches ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka lost the first warm-up match against Bangladesh by 7 wickets. In the other match, they lost to Afghanistan by 6 wickets.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Squad For ICC World Cup 2023, Schedule 2023, Match List, Team List

Sri Lanka squad for ICC World Cup 2023- Dasun Shanaka (C), Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.