SL vs PAK | Shaheen Shah Afridi ruled out of 2nd Test due to knee injury

Ahead of the 2nd and final Test of the series against Sri Lanka on Sunday, Pakistan received unwelcoming news in the form of Shaheen Shah Afridi's injury.

The left-arm paceman has been ruled out of the upcoming Galle Test due to a knee injury he suffered on Day 4 of the 1st Test, which Pakistan won by four wickets against Sri Lanka chasing 342.

As reported by Espncricinfo, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) statement stated:

"Due to a knee injury sustained on the fourth day of the first Test, Shaheen Afridi will miss the second Test, which will be played in Galle from July 24." 

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The PCB further added that the 22-year-old will stay back and continue his rehabilitation in Sri Lanka until the end of the tour under the supervision of their medical team.

Afridi claimed four crucial wickets in Sri Lanka's first innings, which helped his side bundle the hosts for 222.

His wickets include Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, and Maheesh Theekshana.

Ranked number four in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers, Afridi managed just seven overs in the fourth innings for Pakistan. 

Afridi is just one wicket away from 100 Test scalps. Speedster Haris Rauf is likely to replace him in the playing XI.

Changes in the Sri Lankan squad

Theekshana, who suffered a finger injury while bowling on Day 4 of the first Test, has been released from the squad.

22-year-old Lakshitha Manasinghe has received his maiden Test call-up after picking up a five-wicket haul against the visiting Australia' A' side last month.

Opener Pathum Nissanka also rejoins the Karunaratne-led side after missing the first match due to covid.

Pakistan leads the two-match Test series by 1-0.

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