Muttiah Muralitharan out of World Twenty20

Sri Lanka's ICC World Twenty20 title hopes have been dented by the news that Muttiah Muralitharan will miss the rest of the tournament.

The spinner suffered a groin injury in the two-wicket defeat to New Zealand over the weekend, which will require rest.

The 38-year-old, the highest wicket-taker in Test and one-day cricket, was crucial to his side's chances with spin bowlers expected to play a big part in the tournament on the slow wickets in the Caribbean.

"Sri Lankan team physio Tommy Simsek speaking to srilankacricket.lk revealed that clinical tests revealed a grade one strain of his right adductor muscle," a statement read.

"Murali will be advised to rest for 2-3 weeks, hence a replacement will be decided by SLC with the advice of the National selectors."

Sri Lanka must defeat Zimbabwe in their second group match on Monday to progress to the Super Eights.

Source: Skysports.com