Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga has been declared fit to play against New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 on Saturday. The pacer has been out for some time due to ankle injury and also missed the seven-match One-Day series against New Zealand.
In a report by Indian Express, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said “Malinga was back to full fitness. He’s doing everything 100 percent, he’ll be 100 percent for the games.”
The death bowler specialist’s absence was felt badly as Sr Lanka lost the series 4-2 against New Zealand. “Lasith has the X-factor,” Mathews added saying the fast bowler’s return can swing the World Cup opener in Sri Lanka’s favor.
“Honestly, I don’t know what the pressure means. I’m used to all the pressure situations. I have a free mindset and I just want to do what I can do,” Malinga said.
In a report by Indian Express, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said “Malinga was back to full fitness. He’s doing everything 100 percent, he’ll be 100 percent for the games.”
The death bowler specialist’s absence was felt badly as Sr Lanka lost the series 4-2 against New Zealand. “Lasith has the X-factor,” Mathews added saying the fast bowler’s return can swing the World Cup opener in Sri Lanka’s favor.
“Honestly, I don’t know what the pressure means. I’m used to all the pressure situations. I have a free mindset and I just want to do what I can do,” Malinga said.
Malinga made his comeback on Monday against South Africa in the warm-up match but wasn’t effective as he gave away 33 runs in 4.3 overs but picked up the wicket of Faf du Plessis. Later, Sri Lanka lost the match by 5 wickets.
The ‘slinga’ is also expected to play in Sri Lanka’s next World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
Malinga unique bowling action and his toe-crushing yorkers have already made him one of the most talked-about personalities in world cricket. His hairstyle enhances his unique image.
Malinga is the only cricketer to take two hat-tricks in World Cup and three hat-tricks overall in One-Day International (ODI). He is also the only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls in any form of international cricket. His fastest delivery was clocked at 155.7 km/h in 2011, which is still the fourth fastest ball bowled among all the active bowlers. In the same year he retired from Test cricket. It was under Malinga’s captaincy Sri Lanka won it first ever ICC Twenty20 (T20) World Cup in 2014.
The 31-year old Sri Lankan has played 30 Tests, 177 ODIs and 57 T20Is, and has taken 101 wickets in Test, 271 wickets in ODIs and 68 wickets in T20Is. Besides representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he plays for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League (BBL).
The ‘slinga’ is also expected to play in Sri Lanka’s next World Cup warm-up match against Zimbabwe on Wednesday.
Malinga unique bowling action and his toe-crushing yorkers have already made him one of the most talked-about personalities in world cricket. His hairstyle enhances his unique image.
Malinga is the only cricketer to take two hat-tricks in World Cup and three hat-tricks overall in One-Day International (ODI). He is also the only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive balls in any form of international cricket. His fastest delivery was clocked at 155.7 km/h in 2011, which is still the fourth fastest ball bowled among all the active bowlers. In the same year he retired from Test cricket. It was under Malinga’s captaincy Sri Lanka won it first ever ICC Twenty20 (T20) World Cup in 2014.
The 31-year old Sri Lankan has played 30 Tests, 177 ODIs and 57 T20Is, and has taken 101 wickets in Test, 271 wickets in ODIs and 68 wickets in T20Is. Besides representing Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he plays for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League (BBL).
By: Farai Diza
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