Murali to miss today's match

Published July 27, 2004

COLOMBO, July 26: Spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan will sit out of Sri Lanka's last Super League match against India in Asia Cup on Tuesday following death of his grandfather.

"Murali has left for his hometown Kandy after being informed of his grandfather's death," a Sri Lanka Cricket spokesman said on Monday. Muralitharan learned of his paternal grandfather's death when he returned to the team hotel on Monday afternoon following a practice session.

Sri Lanka are also likely to be without Kumara Sangakkara, who is running a high fever. Left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas could also be rested for the day/night encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Vaas could be replaced by seamer Lasith Malinga while Romesh Kaluwitharana could come in for Sangakkara, sources said. The absence of three seasoned players from the Sri Lankan squad would immensely benefit India, who need to win the match in order to make it to the final. -Agencies

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