PAK vs SL | Kusal Mendis Taken To Hospital After Flamboyant Century

image-lnkghz19Kusal Mendis has got off to a fascinating start in World Cup 2023 (AP Photos)

In a significant development on Tuesday, Kusal Mendis was taken to a hospital during the interval period of Sri Lanka's World Cup 2023 clash against Pakistan in Hyderabad. The Sri Lankan vice-captain, who scored 122 off just 77 deliveries against the star-studded Men in Green attack, “suffered a cramp upon returning from the field," as confirmed by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on X (formerly known as Twitter).

The injury was not as serious for Mendis as it appeared. However, Dushan Hemantha came to the field for Pakistan’s innings, as Mendis did not feel well enough to wear the big gloves and keep wickets. Sadeera Samarawickrama kept the wickets in Mendis’ absence.

Mendis’ scintillating show, ably assisted by Sadeera Samarawickrama’s 89-ball 108, took Sri Lanka to 344/9 after Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat. Pathum Nissanka and Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with handy contributions as well, having made 61-ball 51 and 34-ball 25, respectively, while Dunith Wellalage scored a breezy 10-ball 8.

For Pakistan, Hasan Ali was the pick of the bowlers, having claimed 4/71, whereas Haris Rauf took 2/71, both in the final over.

Sri Lanka will next play Australia on October 16 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.