ICC World Cup 2019: Lasith Malinga to leave the team after Bangladesh match

Sri Lanka is currently placed sixth in the points table of the ongoing World Cup in England and Wales with three points from as many matches. Dimuth Karunaratne and Co are next scheduled to play their fourth game versus Bangladesh on Tuesday, June 11 at the County Ground in Bristol. Prior to the all-important contest, the Islanders have been dealt with a minor matter of concern.

Lasith Malinga, their premier fast bowler, will leave the team after the match versus the Tigers. The same is for the reason that his Mother-In-Law has passed away and the speedster will be leaving for home. The 35-year-old experienced campaigner has played two matches thus far in the mega event against New Zealand and Afghanistan and has picked up three wickets.

However, the Lankans would be breathing a sigh of relief as the veteran speedster is expected to join the team before the match against Australia as per the media release by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). The encounter will be played on Saturday, June 15 at the Kennington Oval in London and Malinga’s participation will be key if the Lankans is to roll over Aaron Finch and Co.

Sri Lanka’s issue in fast bowling

The Lankans has had its fair share of issues in the fast bowling department. A couple of days ago, Nuwan Pradeep, who was the Player of the Match against Afghanistan, dislocated his finger on his bowling arm during a training session. The right-arm seamer copped a blow on his hand as he tried to stop the ball off Kusal Perera’s bat. He was thereafter taken to the hospital.

Pradeep won’t be playing the match versus Bangladesh. Provided he gets ruled out of the entire tournament, the 26-year-old Kasun Rajitha is likely to be roped in as his replacement. Apart from Malinga and Pradeep, Sri Lanka has Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal and Thisara Perera in the fast bowling lineup, but the trio hasn’t quite been at its best by any means.

Karunartne’s men lost the first match against New Zealand by 10 wickets but rolled over Afghanistan by 34 runs (DLS Method). Their last game against Pakistan in Bristol got called off due to rain. Going ahead, they’ll be facing the likes of England, India and Australia and their task isn’t speculated to be easy.