'A pretty unfortunate end to a great tournament for me' - Finger injury ends Hasan Ali's Lanka Premier League 2023 campaign

Hasan Ali had a decent campaign for Dambulla Aura in the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2023. The Pakistan pacer picked up eight wickets in five games at an average of 16.12 with an economy of 6.79. His team finished at the top of the points table at the end of the league phase with six wins from eight matches.

Hasan played in Qualifier 1 where Dambulla Aura defeated Galle Titans in Colombo on Thursday, August 17. The experienced bowler dismissed Tabraiz Shamsi in the last ball of the first innings, finishing with figures of 1/28 in three overs.

On Friday, August 18, Hasan revealed that he had surgery on his finger, which he injured during the match, and confirmed that he will play no further part in the competition. This must be devastating as he played a crucial role in helping Dambulla reach the finals but won't be able to take the field in the summit clash. The 29-year-old thanked his fans for their support and requested them to pray for his speedy recovery.

"Saddened to share that I suffered a finger injury during our qualifier yesterday and had to go through a surgery for it. A pretty unfortunate end to a great tournament for me personally however will like to look at the positives and thank my team management and medical staff for looking after me. Big thank you to all the fans for supporting me and would now request you all to pray for my recovery," Hasan wrote on his official 'X' handle.

Dambulla Aura enter the finals of LPL 2023

Being the most consistent side in LPL 2023, it didn't come as a surprise when Kusal Mendis-led Dambulla Aura reached the finals after beating Galle Titans by six wickets in Qualifier 1. After opting to bowl first, Hayden Kerr (3/18) and Noor Ahmad (2/27), starred with the ball and received ample support from the other bowlers to restrict the Titans to 146. In reply, Mendis hit a patient 45-ball 49 while Kusal Perera enthralled the fans with a 39-ball 53 to win the match with two balls to spare.

Now, in the grand final, Kusal Mendis and Co. will meet the winner of the Qualifier 2 encounter between B-Love Kandy and Galle Titans, which will be played on Saturday, August 19, in Colombo.