The Super Sixes round of the ICC ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2023 commenced on Thursday with an exciting clash between hosts Zimbabwe and Oman. As the tournament progresses, Sri Lanka and West Indies are gearing up for their upcoming matches against Netherlands and Scotland, respectively. In preparation for these crucial fixtures, both teams have made squad changes due to injuries suffered by certain players.
In a disappointing blow for Sri Lanka, seasoned fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera has been unable to recover from a shoulder injury he sustained prior to the tournament. As a result, Chameera will be flying back home for intensive rehabilitation. With 50 ODI wickets to his name, Chameera has played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s white-ball attack in recent years. His absence is a significant setback for the team as they strive to secure one of the two qualification spots.
Stepping in to fill the void left by Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka has been included in the squad for the remainder of the Super Sixes stage. Although Madushanka has only played two ODIs so far in his fledgling international career, his inclusion brings an additional left-arm bowling option to the Sri Lanka squad. The team will be relying on his skills and potential to contribute effectively on the field.
Similarly, West Indies have also had to make a change to their squad for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier due to an injury. All-rounder Yannic Cariah has been ruled out of the tournament following a nasal fracture. In his place, Kevin Sinclair has been drafted into the Caribbean outfit as a replacement.
Sinclair, known for his acrobatic celebrations as much as his bowling, has impressed with his performance in the limited opportunities he has had so far. With nine ODI wickets to his credit at an impressive average of 16.33, he adds depth to the West Indies bowling attack. The team will be hoping that Sinclair can make a significant impact and contribute to their success in the Super Sixes round.
