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Young speedster Matheesha Pathirana has stunned the cricketing world’s elite batsmen with his lethal yorkers in the Indian Premier League, signaling a promising addition to Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad. At 21 years old, often likened to “Baby Malinga” for his unconventional delivery reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, Pathirana has emerged as a specialist in the crucial death overs despite his limited international experience, boasting 13 wickets in just six matches for Chennai Super Kings this IPL season. However, a hamstring injury cut his IPL campaign short, raising concerns among his Sri Lankan teammates about his potential absence in the upcoming tournament.
As the Sri Lankan squad, under the leadership of Wanindu Hasaranga, gears up for the highly anticipated 20-over tournament commencing on June 1 in the West Indies and the United States, there’s reassuring news as the talented bowler has joined the team.
Cricket scribe Rex Clementine penned his thoughts in an article featured in The Island newspaper- “Sri Lanka are banking on Matheesha Pathirana to turn around their fortunes in the upcoming T20 World Cup,”
“Pathirana was a sensation in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. He has showcased (a) glimpse of his skill sending down unplayable death overs,” Clementine added.
“If he is able to get his line right without being wayward, he will have a major impact in this competition.”
Malinga is equally excited about the prospect of seeing the young tyro using “his pace and his yorker”.
“But the biggest thing I see with Matheesha is his big heart,” Malinga told ESPNCricinfo.
“He’s very positive in the match. Those aren’t things we can teach him. Those are things he’s got naturally. Even in the year he first came into the IPL, he didn’t have any fear, or any doubts.
“If you tell him this is what we need at this time, he has the ability to do that.
“He’s got the ability to make a decision. He’s quite clear in his thinking.”
Sri Lanka’s chief selector Upul Tharanga has also backed the youngster to choke opposition batsmen in the final few overs along with 29-year-old pacer Nuwan Thushara.
The prospect of seeing those two in tandem sets Malinga purring.
“In the T20 format you are always talking about the yorker because that’s the ball that stops sixes from happening,” he said.
“To have two bowlers who can bowl yorkers like the two of them can in the same tournament… That’s crazy, that’s absolutely mad.
“I think (Sri Lanka’s) bowling line-up is the best in the world.”
Pathirana showcased his prowess with a remarkable performance, securing figures of 4/28 in Chennai’s victorious clash against the Mumbai Indians this season. This outstanding display earned him the prestigious player of the match award, stealing the limelight even from India captain Rohit Sharma’s century. His impactful spell included crucial dismissals, notably of T20 specialist Suryakumar Yadav in the eighth over, and he returned in the death overs to deliver his trademark slinging delivery, claiming the wicket of Romario Shepherd.
Paternal presence Dhoni
Pathirana has consistently left his mark on the world’s premier T20 league since donning the Chennai jersey, attributing his success to the guidance and mentorship of team stalwart M.S. Dhoni, the former captain of India.
“In my cricket life, mostly he is playing my father’s role,” Pathirana said on Chennai’s YouTube channel.
“He always takes care of me, and gives me some advice on what I have to do — similar to my father when I’m in my home,” he added.
“He’s just telling me small things, but it makes a lot of difference, and it gives me a lot of confidence.”
Last year, Dhoni advised Pathirana to prioritize the 20-over format over Tests. Additionally, Pathirana’s unique wicket celebration, where he folds his hands to his chest and gazes skyward, has endeared him to broadcasters. The young bowler confesses that this gesture is inspired by Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo. Sri Lanka, champions in 2014, kick off their World Cup journey against South Africa in New York on June 3, followed by matches against Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Netherlands in the group stage.
