Maharoof expected to play final

Dilhara Fernando is expected to be dropped from the Sri Lankan team for the World Cup final due to a poor semi-final performance against New Zealand where he took 0-45 from five overs.

Chief selector Asantha de Mel said the selectors were disappointed with Fernando’s performance and he was likely to be replaced by Maharoof for the final.

“Most probably it will be Maharoof. We were not satisfied with Dilhara’s performance,” del Mel said.

del Mel also laid matters to rest around the possibility of Marvan Atapattu replacing Upul Tharanga at the top of the order saying there was no chance this would happen.