Sri Lanka have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial Super Eight match against Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with their experienced wicketkeeper-batter ruled out due to injury.

 

According to media reports, Kusal Mendis has sustained a hamstring injury and will not be playing cricket for at least a month. He had returned to the playing XI after passing a fitness test before the match against New Zealand, but the injury flared up again and forced him out of the Pakistan encounter.

 

In his absence, Kamil Mishara is expected to take over wicket keeping duties.

 

The setback comes at a difficult time for Sri Lanka, as the right-hander stood among their most consistent performers in the ongoing tournament. He scored 197 runs in six matches at an average of 39.40, making his unavailability a significant blow to the batting unit.

 

Sri Lanka already faced injury concerns in the competition after losing key spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the event earlier, adding further pressure on the squad.

 

Pakistan and Sri Lanka face off today in a decisive Super Eight match, with the semi-final race still wide open. Pakistan remain in contention after England edged past New Zealand in a thrilling last-over finish on Friday night.

 

That result brought New Zealand’s net run rate down to +1.39, although it still remains well ahead of Pakistan’s -0.46. To finish second in the group and qualify for the semi-finals, Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka with a substantial margin.

 

If Pakistan bat first, they need a win by at least 64 runs. If they bat second, they must chase the target within 13.1 overs. For instance, a total of 200 would require Sri Lanka to be restricted to 136, while any chase would need to be completed in 79 balls.