Fernando unlikely to play final

Sri Lanka selectors have indicated that all-rounder Farveez Mahroof is likely to replace Dilhara Fernando in World Cup final against Australia to be played in Bridgetown, Barbados on Saturday.

The reason for dropping Fernando is his poor bowling in the semifinal against New Zealand and selectors are not prepared to take any risk or chance in the crunch match.

According to the BBC, Sri Lanka chief selector Asantha de Mel said they were not happy with Fernando’s form. The fast bowler was warned twice for running on the pitch in the semi-final on Tuesday and went for 45 runs in his five overs despite the Kiwis being under tremendous pressure.

In contrast the last time he played against Ireland at Grenada, Maharoof came away with figures of 4/25 in Sri Lanka’s eight-wicket win at Grenada’s National Stadium eight days ago.

''Most probably it will be Maharoof,'' said De Mel. ''We were not satisfied with Dilhara’s performance against New Zealand.'' The chief selector was confident that Sri Lanka would deliver the goods in Saturday’s showpiece. ''We have only one more match left. We are ready to face it,'' he added.

He also confirmed that Upul Tharanga would continue to open ahead of former skipper Marvan Atapattu despite pressure being mounted from home for the change, that would have been at least partially silenced after the left-hander’s sparkling 74-ball 73 in the 81-run win over the Black Caps.

UNI HSB SAM RAI1233

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