⏳ T20 World Cup Selection Now in Doubt
Sri Lanka have suffered a major blow ahead of the T20 World Cup as young pacer Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the SL vs ENG 5th T20I due to a dislocated shoulder. The injury has cast serious doubt over his place in Sri Lanka’s final World Cup squad.
🩺 What Happened to Malinga?
The injury occurred during Sunday’s match in Pallekele. After a long rain delay, Malinga bowled the third ball of the eighth over to Tom Banton when he suddenly jerked his left (non-bowling) shoulder in his delivery stride.
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He immediately fell to the ground
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Was seen clutching his shoulder in pain
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The delivery was a beamer and called a no-ball
The sight left fans and teammates visibly concerned 😟.
📢 Official Update from SLC
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the setback in an official statement:
“He will return to Colombo today, where he will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the injury and determine the next course of action.”
The MRI results will be crucial in deciding whether Malinga can recover in time for the T20 World Cup.
📊 Malinga’s Impact So Far
Despite being new to international cricket, Malinga has made a strong impression:
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🏏 8 wickets in 8 T20Is
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📉 Average: 26.87
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⚡ Strike rate: 17.1
He also impressed in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last season:
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🔥 13 wickets in 7 matches
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📊 Average: 18.31
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🚀 Strike rate: 12.31
A big miss if he’s ruled out.
🔁 Who Replaces Him?
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Pramod Madushan is expected to step in
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He was already named as backup for Dushmantha Chameera
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Any squad change after January 31 needs ICC approval
Sri Lanka’s delay in announcing the final 15 has only added to the uncertainty around Malinga’s selection.
⚔️ Sri Lanka’s Fast Bowling Options
Even without Malinga, Sri Lanka still have depth:
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⭐ Nuwan Thusara – main strike bowler
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🔥 Asitha Fernando
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🌀 Left-arm options: Binura Fernando & Dilshan Madushanka
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👀 Pramod Madushan likely to get a chance in the next T20I
Madushan’s performance could be key in deciding the final World Cup combination.
🧠 Final Word
Eshan Malinga’s injury is a huge setback at the worst possible time — not just for the player, but for Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans. All eyes are now on the MRI scan and how quickly he can recover ⏱️.
