Published on 12:00 AM, June 10, 2019

Pradeep out of Tigers clash

Sri Lanka’s hopes against Bangladesh suffered a massive blow as pacer Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out of Tuesday’s World Cup encounter after suffering an injury to his bowling hand in practice yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

Sri Lanka pace bowler Nuwan Pradeep has been ruled out of the Bangladesh match on Tuesday after dislocating the little finger on his bowling hand. The 32-year-old is likely to regain fitness in a week's time, according to ICC.

Pradeep injured himself in the nets while bowling to Kusal Perera. The bowler put his right hand up to protect his face from a straight shot hit back at him and injured himself in the process. He was taken to the hospital after dislocating the finger and sustaining some cuts on his right hand.

The injury to Pradeep comes at an unfortunate time for Sri Lanka, who have one win in three matches. Pradeep picked 4 for 31 against Afghanistan and was named the man of the match in Sri Lanka's 34-run win in Cardiff.

In a worst-case scenario, Sri Lanka have a ready-made replacement in Kasun Rajitha, who's been travelling with the team in the capacity of a stand-by player.