Sri Lanka put off making a ruling on batsman Pathum Nissanka Silva and fast bowler Pramod Madushan who are nursing injuries and will decide on the condition of the duo this morning before the start of the Super 12 match against Ireland in the T20 Cricket World Cup in Hobart, Australia.
Nissanka has been the most impressive batter in the Sri Lanka line-up along with Kusal Mendis and his absence from today’s match could cause much worry in the team.
A team spokesman said both Nissanka and Madushan are recovering well and will undergo a final fitness today.
“Both players are currently under rehabilitation and their recovery is progressing well,” he said.
Ireland are currently a team on the rise and cannot be taken lightly after they beat the West Indies to book their slot in the Super 12 Stage.
At the last T20 World Cup in the UAE, Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 70 runs with Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva making half centuries in a total of 171 for 7 in 20 overs and bowling out the Irish for 101.
But Ireland are a different team today with most of their players in good form including opener Paul Stirling who made an unbeaten half century (66) against the West Indies they crushed by nine wickets while chasing down a target of 150.
The fact that New Zealand threw open the tournament with a smashing win over the defending champs Australia yesterday has further caused anxiety in the Sri Lankan camp with the next match lined up against Australia on Tuesday and Sri Lanka having to come up with a solid fast bowling combination in the absence of Dushmantha Chameera is out of the World Cup with an injury.