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Maheesh Theekshana, one of the premier spinners for Sri Lanka, has been ruled out of Asia Cup 2023 final against India, on September 17, Sunday, after suffering a right hamstring injury. The unfortunate moment for the 23-year-old happened when he was sliding near the boundary rope against Pakistan, during the last Super Fours match in the tournament for Sri Lanka.
After the physio attended to him, Maheesh Theekshana managed to bowl a few more overs in his spell, before he got helped off the field by the support staff of the Sri Lanka cricket team. His contribution was important for the team in securing a last ball win against Pakistan by two wickets on DLS method, in front of the home fans, to reach the final of the Asia Cup 2023.
Sri Lanka have named a replacement for Maheesh Theekshana in their squad for the upcoming final of the continental cricket spectacle, Sahan Arachchige, on September 16, Saturday. The captain Dasun Shanaka said that the spinner has a grade three tear in his thigh, while the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) medical committee revealed that the tear is not a big one, while confirming that he will be ready for the ODI World Cup 2023, starting next month in India.
With that, SportsTiger looks at three players who could replace Maheesh Theekshana in the Sri Lanka playing 11 for the Asia Cup 2023 final.
1. Sahan Arachchige
The replacement for Maheesh Theekshana in the Asia Cup 2023 squad for Sri Lanka, Sahan Arachchige made his debut this July against West Indies during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier, picking up the wicket of Kyle Mayers with his right-arm off spin. In his second match of the international career, the left-handed middle order batter scored a fifty against Netherlands, to showcase his credentials to the national selectors, in regards to giving him a place in the playing XI for the upcoming grand finale.