SL vs AFG: Debutant Chamika Gunasekara subbed out, Kasun Rajitha named concussion substitute

Sri Lanka debutant Chamika Gunasekara was forced to sub out after Naveed Zadran’s bouncer hit his helmet in the first session of Day 3. The 24-year-old tried to duck the bowl but unfortunately, it didn’t bounce as much as he predicted. It hit on the top part of the helmet and went flying over the keeper’s head for a four leg-bye.

The on-field umpires immediately called the doctor for a concussion check as he eventually passed and was allowed to continue batting. However, in the 110th over, three overs after the incident, Chamika called back the doctors as he was struggling in the middle. He clutched his head in pain as the medical staff rushed to have a look at him. 

After a brief check-up, he was advised to leave the field as Kasun Rajitha was approved as his concussion substitute but the pacer didn’t bat in the first innings. Meanwhile, as per ESPNcricinfo, Chamika was immediately rushed to the hospital for further assessment. The details of his health are yet to be known as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) hasn’t made any official announcement about the same.

Meanwhile, Chamika had to leave the field early on his ODI debut as well. He injured his hamstring against Zimbabwe in Pallekele in 2022 and could bowl only one over in the match.

Sri Lanka take 237 run lead

After bundling out Afghanistan for 198 runs, Sri Lanka made 439 runs in the second innings. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal looked rock solid as the veterans scored a century each in Colombo. Opener Dimuth Karunaratne gave a perfect start with his contribution of 77 runs while his opening partner Nishan Madushka made 37 runs.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan bowlers wouldn’t be happy with their job. They missed Rashid Khan in the middle but Zadran tried to cover that with his four-wicket haul while Nijat Massod and Qais Ahmad picked up two each. They will now have to bat well to put the pressure back on Sri Lanka, who would be happy with their progress.