Sri Lanka’s most iconic shorter formats fast bowler Lasith Malinga has returned to Sri Lanka due to family commitments, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Malinga’s Mother in law Mrs. Kanthi Perera passed away last week.
“After Australia match, Malinga returned to Sri Lanka for his mother in law’s 7th day alms giving” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
The legendary bowler is expected to rejoin the team before their next encounter against England at Leeds on June 21.
Malinga, At 35, is still remained One of the most fearsome bowler in world cricket and his exploits in recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) has proved his worth once again. For Mumbai Indians, Malinga was at his destructive best and won many match single handedly for the richest IPL franchise, including the final ball which helped his team to win the coveted trophy record fourth time. In the world cup also, he has proved his worth go far by providing key wickets in death overs as well as by keeping batsmen in guess in final overs.
The iconic bowler has expressed his desire to win the World Cup for his motherland.
With just one win and two washed out in five matches so far, Sri Lanka will have to face an uphill task to secure semi final place, as the their remaining matches are against India, England, West Indies and South Africa. In this scenario, Malinga, with his experience, has become Sri Lanka’s only few rays of hope for a turnaround.
Sri Lanka’s remaining World Cup fixtures
21 June: Vs England at Leeds
28 June: Vs South Africa at Chester-Le-Street
1 July: Vs West Indies at Chester-Le-Street
6 July: Vs India at Leeds
