Sri Lanka suffer big blow, Nissanka ruled out of ODI series

• Shevon Daniel included as replacement in 17-member squad

Sri Lanka suffered a big blow ahead of the first ODI against Zimbabwe today when prolific opening batsman Pathum Nissanka was ruled out of the series with an infection suspected to be dengue. 

“We thought it was dengue but later the doctors are saying it’s a viral infection,” said Sri Lanka Team Manager Mahinda Halangoda. 

“They have taken blood samples from Pathum who has undergone tests. We are waiting for all the reports to clearly determine what the infection is. But he will definitely be out for the series.”

Nissanka is currently warded at the Nawaloka Hospital. 

Nissanka has been replaced in Sri Lanka’s 17-member squad by former Sri Lanka Under-19 Captain and top order left-hand batsman Shevon Daniel.

Sri Lanka will have to decide whether to go with Daniel as opening partner to Avishka Fernando, or promote one of the middle order batters Sadeera Samarawickrama or Nuwanidu Fernando who have both opened in the recent past. – (ST)