Eshan Malinga Injury Scare Ahead Of T20 World Cup 2026 For Sri Lanka, Walks Off During SL vs ENG 2nd T20I
Sri Lanka have been hit with the worst nightmare that a team could imagine, just before entering the T20 World Cup 2026. An Eshan Malinga injury forced him to go off the field in the SL vs ENG 2nd T20I, while he was clutching his left shoulder.
The Eshan Malinga injury occurred on the third ball of the eighth over in the second innings of the clash. He fell off after releasing the delivery, which was the first one after the resumption of play (after the rain break). However, he was seen in excruciating pain after the fall and had to walk off the field.
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Return Date in T20 World Cup 2026 After Eshan Malinga Injury
Malinga’s left shoulder seemed to be the problem, as he left the field clutching his non-bowling arm. As per the latest update, he dislocated his shoulder and could be ruled out of the ICC event. He will travel to Colombo for scans. However, his recovery period is expected to be around four to six weeks.
Dilshan Madushanka or Pramod Madushan could be likely replacements after Eshan Malinga injury.
The soon-to-be 25-year-old is one of Sri Lanka’s key players for their T20 World Cup 2026 chances. Having played just eight T20Is across his brief career, Malinga has quickly become one of the X-factors for Sri Lanka in the shortest format. Though his economy is a bit on the higher side, the impact that he creates through regular wickets would be something handy for the Lions. Malinga also possesses a lot of variations and is useful in death overs.
Sri Lanka are down 0-2 in the series against England, and will play their third and final T20I on February 3. Their World Cup campaign will begin on February 8 against Ireland, in Colombo.
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