Mendis may miss Lankan tie against South Africa

In-form Sri Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis is doubtful for Saturday's Twenty20 World Cup match against South Africa due to a side strain he picked up during their tournament opener against Zimbabwe.

Mendis, who returned the best figures by a bowler in T20 cricket with six wickets for eight runs in Tuesday's match, went off the field soon after he had completed his quota of four overs.

"Mendis' injury is our only worry ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday) game against South Africa," Sri Lanka team manager Charith Senanayake said. "We are monitoring Mendis' progr­ess and will take a call on him before the match."

Sri Lanka also have leg-spinner Jeevan Mendis, who took three wickets bowling in tandem with Ajantha against Zimbabwe, left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and uncapped spinner Akila Dananjaya in their squad.

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene played down the hype around Mendis, who is often compared with world record holder countryman Muttiah Muralitharan.

“They’re big boots to fill. It’s going to be tough for anyone to fit into Murali’s shoes because of the quality of the player,” said Jayawardene of Murali, whose 800 Tests and 534 one-day wickets are the highest in the world.

“It’s going to be tough for these youngsters to say they’re going to be the next Murali. What we encourage them to be is the best they can be. If they can do a good job for Sri Lanka over the next 10 years, then that will be great,’’ he added.