Malinga ruled out of NZ match

Star Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga has been ruled out of his side’s blockbuster clash against New Zealand today.

The fast bowler who recently became the first international cricketer to take four wickets in four balls, hurt his left ankle during training and won’t be risked, according to team manager Michael Tissera.

“He won’t play tomorrow. He’s very keen to play but we’ve told him ‘no’,” Tissera said.

“He’s torn a ligament. He suffered the injury on Monday, and we sent him to Jamaica for a scan because we couldn’t do it here.

“Hopefully, he will be fit for the Australia or Ireland games.”

The loss will be a heavy one for Sri Lanka, with the fast bowler the equal most successful bowler in the tournament with 15 wickets at 14.26.