Another blow for Sri Lanka as Kusal Mendis ruled out for the second game

Nothing has been going right for the Sri Lankan cricket team lately. After an early exit from the Champions Trophy, their head coach Graham Ford stepped down. Rifts in the administration also saw the Sri Lanka Cricket Vice President giving up his spot. Now after Lasith Malinga was ruled out, it’s Kusal Mendis who is the latest prey to the influenza virus from the Sri Lankan camp.

He’s expected to miss the second ODI against Zimbabwe as well. The selectors have roped in Chamara Kapugedera and Suranga Lakmal as replacements for the duo. This would be Kapugedera’s first game since he picked up an injury after their match against India last month.

Sadeera dropped

The selectors also decided to exclude young Sadeera Samarawickrama who was in the squad for the first game. The second match will be played in Galle as both the inclusions are expected to boost the firepower in the Sri Lankan lineup.

While batting hasn’t been the real issue for the Islanders, it’s the bowling that has leaked runs as the bowlers have failed to take early wickets and apply pressure on the opposition. Such is the calibre that Zimbabwe batsmen made merry of it. Even the Champions Trophy witnessed forgetful exhibitions of their performance with the ball.

Things haven’t begun well for the hosts in this series. For the first time ever, Zimbabwe managed to defeat Sri Lanka at their own backyard. They went on to register a historic run chase and won with more than 2 overs to spare.

While it’s too early to rate their chances in the series, the victory for sure has raised the spirits in the Zimbabwean dressing room. Guided by an amazing knock of 112 runs by Solomon Mire and some noteworthy contributions from Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, the visitors went on to chase 317 at Galle. After that performance, they will certainly fancy their chances moving ahead in the series.