In a huge blow for Sri Lanka cricket, star pacer Matheesh Pathirana will be unavailable for the side's third T20I clash against Bangladesh after he sustained a grade one hamstring injury on his left leg during the previous match.

Pathirana was holding his hamstring as he struggled to finish his fourth over of the game, before Angelo Mathews bowled the final two balls of his over.

With the series levelled, Pathirana's absence in the final clash of the series could prove significant for Sri Lanka. Pathirana is a crucial part of Chennai Super Kings' lineup in the IPL, and if his injury is prolonged, he could miss some games of the marquee tournament, which is set to start from March 22.

A hamstring injury usually takes about four to seven weeks to recuperate, which leaves the chances of him featuring in the season opener for CSK very low. Chennai Super Kings take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadiym the first game of the IPL.

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka out to clinch series

Speaking of the ongoing series, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have engaged in gruelling battles in the first two T20Is of the series and have won one game each. The series decider will be played at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday, March 9, and both teams will be keen on putting in good performances, aiming to clinch the series.

Also check: BAN vs SL 2nd T20I Highlights

The second T20I between them saw Bangladesh win after a comfortable run-chase. Sri Lanka batted first and posted 165 runs after the resilient showings by Kusal and Kamindu Mendis. However, chasing the target, Najmul Hossain Shanto's half-century helped the hosts level the series and take the series into a decider.