ODI World Cup 2023: Angelo Mathews replaces injured Matheesha Pathirana in Sri Lanka squad

Young and talented Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana, who helped Chennai Super Kings to win a record-equaling fifth Indian Premier League title, injured himself during the match against Pakistan in the ODI World Cup 2023. He missed the previous two games that Sri Lanka played against Australia and the Netherlands and was subsequently ruled out of the marquee event.

The 'Lankan Lions' had the option of adding veteran pacer Dushmantha Chameera to the squad to replace Pathirana. However, they opted to add star all-rounder Angelo Mathews to the side as the replacement for the 20-year-old. Mathews and Chameera were with the Sri Lankan unit as travelling reserves. The former Sri Lanka captain got the nod and he might find an immediate place in the playing XI when Kusal Mendis' men step onto the field to play against England on Thursday, October 26 in Bengaluru.

Sri Lankan commentator Roshan Abeysinghe posted on 'X' about Mathews' selection in the squad in place of Pathirana.

"Angelo Mathews will replace injured Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad for the ICC World Cup - 2023 being played in India," the 60-year-old wrote.

Angelo Mathews will replace injured Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad for the ICC World Cup - 2023 being played in India- https://t.co/UE0xsYbtM5

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) October 24, 2023

Angelo Mathews brings a wealth of experience to the SL side

The 35-year-old played in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions of the ODI World Cup. However, he was left out of the Sri Lankan side for the 2023 edition of the tournament. Mathews has just played seven ODIs in the last four years but he has an overall experience of playing 221 50-over matches for the national side.

Sri Lanka's regular captain Dasun Shanaka was recently ruled out of the tournament after suffering an injury. Kusal Mendis has been given the leadership role. Now, if needed, the wicketkeeper-batter will be able to pick the brains of Mathews, who has good knowledge of the game as well as captaincy experience.

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