Third blow to Sri Lanka in World Cup 2023, in-form fast bowler Lahiru Kumara also out due to injury

Sri Lanka's bid to secure a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup 2023 has suffered another major setback as in-form fast bowler Lahiru Kumara has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the tournament due to a left thigh muscle injury. Kumara suffered an injury to his left thigh during training in Pune ahead of Sri Lanka's crucial match against Afghanistan at the MCA International Stadium here on Monday. Fellow fast bowler Dushmanta Chameera has been included in the team as his replacement.

Before this, captain Dasun Shanaka and Mathisha Pathirana were also out due to injury. The Event Technical Committee on Sunday approved the inclusion of Dushmantha Chameera in the Sri Lankan team squad. The ICC said that the Event Technical Committee of the World Cup 2023 has approved Dushmantha Chameera as the replacement for Lahiru Kumara in the Sri Lanka squad.

Chameera has played 44 ODI matches so far. He has experience in more than 100 matches. Kumara's absence will be noticeable, as he played a key role in their surprise win over England in Bengaluru last Thursday. Where he was adjudged 'Player of the Match' for his performance of 3-35. Due to this Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets.

Kumara's injury is the third injury blow for Sri Lanka, with captain Dasun Shanaka (quad) and Mathisha Pathirana (shoulder) already out with their respective injuries. Sri Lanka currently has two wins from five World Cup matches and is placed fifth in the table with four group matches remaining.

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