Dhananjaya De Silva called into Sri Lanka squad

Batting all-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva has been called into the Sri Lanka squad ahead of their showdown with Pakistan at Cardiff on Monday after the in-form left-hander Kusal Perera was ruled out of the rest of the ICC Champions Trophy with a hamstring injury.

De Silva, 25, has appeared in 16 ODIs to date, making three fifties and taking four wickets, and captained Sri Lanka A against England Lions earlier this year. He has also appeared in nine Tests, making two hundreds, and seven T20Is.

Sri Lanka have recently been beset by injury problems. Skipper Angelo Mathews missed the first match with a troublesome hamstring, while Chamara Kapugedera picked up a knee injury and was replaced by Danushka Gunathilaka for the second game, Gunathilaka making an immediate impact in Sri Lanka’s memorable run-chase against India with a 72-ball 76.

Now it’s Perera’s turn to rue his misfortune. He was in fine form and marshalling the chase against India until the hamstring-tear caused him to leave the field unbeaten on 47. A radiographic test on Friday confirmed the extent of the injury. He will now begin a period of rehabilitation.

Barring a tie between India and South Africa the winner of Monday’s clash will progress to the semi-finals as the second-ranked team in Group B.