Maheesh Theekshana likely to return for Sri Lanka against Pakistan, says SL assistant coach

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana is expected to return to their playing XI for the upcoming 2023 ODI World Cup league-stage match against Pakistan on Tuesday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

Theeksana was injured during Sri Lanka's Super Four match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 and was ruled out of the final against India, which the Dasun Shanaka-led side lost by 10 wickets. The 23-year-old was then benched for the team's first ODI World Cup match against South Africa in 2023.

"I think he should be available for this game. Obviously, we didn't want to take a risk with him in the first game and didn't want to go against the advice of the medicals, so I'm sure he'll be available for this one," Sri Lanka assistant coach Naveed Nawaz said in the pre-match press conference.

Maheesh Theekshana was instrumental in Sri Lanka's last-ball victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup,



allowing them to advance to the final. In the first innings, he took Mohammad Nawaz's wicket while conceding 42 runs in nine overs.

During the Asia Cup, which was held in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the spinner took eight wickets in five matches. He also played a key role in Sri Lanka's World Cup qualifier victory in Zimbabwe earlier this year. In the upcoming games, Theekshana will partner with left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, and the duo will bear a lot of responsibility due to the subcontinental conditions.

Despite conceding 81 runs against South Africa, Wellalage was praised by Sri Lanka assistant coach Naveed Nawaz.

"Dunith has had to face a lot of responsibility, where he's been pushed up as the main bowler in the last couple of games. I think he reacted exceptionally well," Nawaz added.

Sri Lanka are currently ninth in the points table after one loss and a net run rate of -2.040.