In a major injury blow for Sri Lanka ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, pacer Eshan Malinga has been ruled out of the third T20 against England with a dislocated shoulder, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Monday.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s loss to England in the second T20I at Pallekale on Sunday.
According to reports, Malinga has already been included in Sri Lanka’s provisional World Cup squad, which is yet to be officially announced by the SLC, but following the setback, his participation in the mega event is now in doubt.
The incident occurred in the eighth over of England’s run chase, shortly after play resumed following a lengthy rain delay.
While bowling the first ball of that over, Malinga appeared to injure his left (non-bowling) shoulder and slumped to the ground in visible discomfort.
A no-ball was called for height as the ball went above the bowler’s waist.
“He will return to Colombo today, where he will undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of the injury and take the next step,” an SLC media statement said.
The injury is a significant setback for Malinga, who has rapidly climbed Sri Lanka’s seam-bowling ranks following his IPL debut in 2025.
Since making his T20I debut in November, he has taken eight wickets in as many matches at a strike rate of 17.1.
With Pramod Madhushan being the only specialist seamer present, no substitutes have made it to the squad so far.
Madhushan, who was seen as a back-up option to Dushmantha Sameera before this series, is now expected to replace Malinga in the final T20I.
With SLC yet to officially announce their World Cup squad, it is unclear whether Malinga will retain his place in the final 15. Any changes after the January 31 submission deadline will require the ICC’s approval.
If Sri Lanka opt for a substitute, they have several fast bowling options. Madhushan and Nuwan Tushara are seen as the leading contenders and may get a chance to claim his franchise in the third T20I.
Dushara, meanwhile, has been a key figure in Sri Lanka’s T20I setup over the past year. Asitha Fernando, Pinura Fernando and Dilshan Madhushanka are also in the fray, with Pinura and Madhushanka providing the left-arm pace options.