Colombo erupted in concern just days before the 2026 T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7. Star Sri Lankan pacer Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the crucial third T20 against England due to a dislocated shoulder, dealing a massive setback to the island nation’s preparations.
The 24-year-old speedster picked up the injury during Sunday’s loss at Pallekele. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed in a statement that Malinga will return to Colombo on Monday for scans, with decisions on his recovery timeline pending medical evaluation.
Malinga’s rise has been meteoric. After a stellar IPL debut in 2025, he earned his international cap in November, claiming 8 wickets in 8 T20Is at an impressive strike rate of 17.1. His absence leaves Sri Lanka’s pace attack thin, with only Pramod Madushan as the other frontline seamer.
Madushan, initially a cover for the injured Dushmantha Chameera, now stands poised for a starting spot in the decider. SLC hasn’t finalized its World Cup squad yet, and with the ICC submission deadline passed on January 31, any changes require special approval, complicating matters further.
Replacements abound in Sri Lanka’s pace stable. Nuwan Thushara has been consistent in T20 setups over the past year, while Madushan has a golden chance to shine against England. Left-arm options like Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka could add variety if selectors reshuffle the attack.
Asitha Fernando also lurks as a contender. This injury forces tough choices, but Sri Lanka’s depth might just turn crisis into opportunity ahead of the global showdown.