Nuwan Thushara has withdrawn his lawsuit against Sri Lanka Cricket, just a few weeks after filing it over being denied a no-objection certificate (NOC) to feature in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Thushara is part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are yet to name a replacement for the 31-year-old fast bowler.
Chasing a competitive target of 179, Zimbabwe rode on a strong opening partnership between Bennett and Tadiwanashe Marumani to lay the foundation.
Pathirana sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s group-stage clash against Australia in Pallekele.
The victory sealed Sri Lanka’s qualification for the next round, while Australia’s tournament fate now hangs by a thread following their second defeat in three matches.
Hasaranga completed his four-over spell in the match, returning impressive figures of 3 for 25 to stem Ireland’s chase of 164. However, subsequent medical assessment revealed a significant tear in his left hamstring.
After restricting Sri Lanka to a below-par 220/9 in 47.4 overs on Thursday night, Australia looked on course for victory, only for a dramatic series of events leading to the hosts equalising the five-match series 1-1.
The injured index finger of his bowling arm is still taped, and International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations "prevent him from playing the opening match," according to a report on Tuesday.
In the end, Aaron Finch led Australia, who won the first two matches, to a comfortable 2-1 series win.
As they prepare to host Australia in their backyard, Sri Lanka now has an excellent opportunity to repay the favour. The current T20 world champions are ranked fifth in the ICC T20I rankings as the series begins. Sri Lanka is ranked ninth in the world.
Meanwhile, many of Sri Lanka's top cricketers are also understood to have made donations to the country's health sector privately.
