Sri Lanka hit by fast bowling injury crisis

World Cup star Chaminda Vaas will miss Sri Lanka's crucial first Sharjah Cup match against Pakistan on Friday.

Vaas, who took a record 23 wickets at 14.39 during the World Cup, has injured his right landing ankle in practice.

There is also a serious concern over the fitness of his new ball partner, Dilhara Fernando, who was unable to train on Thursday because of a sore back.

"Chaminda (Vaas) is out and Dilhara was unable to bowl this morning," said team manager Ajit Jayasekera.

The management hopes that Vaas will recover in time for Sunday's revenge match against Kenya.

There is an outside chance that Fernando could still play but there is already concern that he has aggravated an old stress fracture.

"He is being treated by the physio now and we will just have to see how that goes before we select the side tonight," said Jayasekera

With the selectors having axed Pulasthi Gunaratne, their fifth seamer, Sri Lanka are now left with only the inexperienced Buddhika Fernando and Prabath Nissanka as back-up.