Dhananjaya de Silva returns after Kusal Perera ruled out of Champions Trophy

Sri Lankan middle order batsman, Kusal Perera, has been ruled out of the ongoing Champions Trophy at England and Wales due to the injury he sustained during his knock against India at Kennington Oval, London on 8th June. Dhananjaya de Silva has been recalled in the Sri Lankan squad to replace the explosive southpaw.

India were firm favourites to win against Sri Lanka who had a reputation of being a frail batting lineup. The speculations of Indians being favourites to win the match was later confirmed when India posted a mammoth total of 321 in front of the island nation.

Shikhar Dhawan continued his love-affair with the Champions Trophy after bringing up his third century in the tournament overall. He scored a flamboyant inning of 125 off 128 balls smashing as many as 15 boundaries and a monumental six. MS Dhoni chipped in with a valuable contribution with his 63 from 52 balls at a strike rate of 121.

Dhananjaya de Silva recalled in Sri Lankan line-up

As it turned out, the tournament witnessed the first upset with many to follow as Sri Lankans chased down the target with seven wickets in hand. The top and the middle order of Sri Lanka responded brilliantly as everyone pitched in with valuable contributions against the hapless Indian bowling attack.

Kusal Mendis too played an important part in the run chase with a brisk 47 off 44 balls before he pulled a hamstring and hampered his chance to feature in the tournament further. Together with Sri Lankan captain Angelo Matthews, he stitched a vital partnership of 75 runs to continue with the momentum set by Kusal Mendis and Dhanushka Gunathilaka.

Dhananjaya de Silva has received a clearance from the ICC’s Event Technical Committee for taking part in the tournament as a replacement for the left-hander. He last featured in the Sri Lankan colours back in February this year when Sri Lanka toured South Africa.