Nuwan Pradeep ruled out of World Cup 2019, Kasun Rajitha to replace

Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow ahead of their next World Cup clash as its speedster Nuwan Pradeep on Saturday has been ruled of the remainder of the tournament, following a bout of chickenpox. The Sri Lankan team management reportedly wrote to International Cricket Council (ICC) asking Nuwan Pradeep's replacement. With this, International Cricket Council have approved Kasun Rajitha to come into the side. 

The 26-year-old Rajitha has featured in six Tests and ODIs for Sri Lanka and was earlier named as a back-up player for the tournament. With Pradeep ruled out, Rajitha is expected to feature in the fixture against the West Indies on Monday.

Sri Lanka is still in contention for a place in the semifinals despite losing to South Africa on Friday. With six points from seven matches, it needs to win the next two matches against the West Indies and India to keep its hopes alive. But its entry will also depend on other results to go its way, particularly with the low net run-rate. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kasun Rajitha replaces Nuwan Pradeep in World Cup squad. 
• Nuwan Pradeep ruled out of 2019 World Cup due to chickenpox. 
• Sri Lanka will play their next game against West Indies on July 1.