Sri Lanka allrounder Isuru Udana has been sidelined from the team's must-win third T20I against India in Pune on Friday with a back injury. The 31-year had injured himself during India's chase in the second T20I on Tuesday night, while attempting to stop the ball at short third man. Udana immediately hobbled off the field and did not return to take the ball.
Udana's injury depleted Sri Lanka's attack although Dasun Shanaka stepped in and bowled four tidy overs, giving up 26 runs. India eventually chased down the target of 143 with seven wickets and 15 balls to spare, handing Sri Lanka their fourth successive defeat in the format. India are now 1-0 up in the three-match series, with the first T20I in Guwahati having been abandoned without a ball being bowled.
After the loss in Indore, Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur said that Udana had hurt his back and was in "hell a lot of pain." Despite being ruled out, Udana will work with the physio and stay back with the squad in Pune.