Who is Matheesha Pathirana? The Next Big Thing in Sri Lanka Cricket
by A N Rahul
Updated May 27, 2023
Who is Matheesha Pathirana?
Matheesha Pathirana, hailing from Kandy, Sri Lanka, is an exceptional cricketer known for his prowess in fast bowling. Born on December 18, 2002, he has been likened to the legendary Lasith Malinga due to his remarkable skills on the pitch. Making his mark in the cricketing world, Pathirana debuted in Twenty20 cricket in August 2021, representing the SLC Greys in the highly competitive 2021 SLC Invitational T20 League.
Recognizing his immense talent, Pathirana was chosen to be a part of the Sri Lankan squad for the prestigious 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in the West Indies. This further cemented his reputation as a rising star in the cricketing realm. Continuing his upward trajectory, in April 2022, he secured a spot in the renowned Chennai Super Kings team for the much-anticipated 2022 Indian Premier League.
The highlight of Pathirana's IPL debut was when he faced the Gujarat Titans. In an extraordinary display of skill and precision, he claimed the wicket of Shubman Gill with his very first ball. This remarkable achievement not only established him as the first Sri Lankan cricketer to accomplish such a feat but also placed him among an elite group of nine players who have achieved this milestone in the history of the IPL.
Pathirana's career is brimming with promise, making him an exciting prospect for Sri Lankan cricket. His bowling technique is truly exceptional, featuring a unique action that baffles opposing batsmen. Moreover, he possesses an impressive ability to generate considerable pace, adding to his formidable repertoire. Despite his youth, it is widely believed that he harbors the potential to become a world-class bowler.
Matheesha Pathirana Age
Matheesha Pathirana, a talented cricketer from Sri Lanka, was born on 18th December 2002 in Kandy. At the age of 20, he has already made significant strides in the cricketing world. Known for his right-arm fast bowling, Pathirana has drawn comparisons to the legendary Lasith Malinga, leading to him being dubbed "Baby Malinga."
In August 2021, Pathirana's potential was recognized when he was selected to represent the SLC Greys in the highly anticipated 2021 SLC Invitational T20 League. It was during this tournament that he made his Twenty20 debut on 22nd August 2021, showcasing his skills and proving his mettle on the field.
Prior to his entry into the Twenty20 format, Pathirana had already gained experience as a member of Sri Lanka's squad for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. This early exposure to international cricket helped shape his abilities and prepared him for the challenges that lay ahead.
Building on his previous successes, Pathirana was chosen to be a part of Sri Lanka's team for the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in the West Indies. This selection not only showcased his consistent performance but also highlighted his potential as a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket.
Pathirana's journey in the world of cricket continues to evolve, with his young age being a testament to the immense potential he possesses. As he refines his skills and continues to emulate the bowling prowess of Lasith Malinga, the future looks bright for this talented cricketer.
Matheesha Pathirana Wikipedia
Matheesha Pathirana, born on 18th December 2002, is a Sri Lankan cricketer often referred to as "Baby Malinga" due to his bowling action, which is reminiscent of the legendary Lasith Malinga. His journey in professional cricket began when he was selected for the SLC Greys' squad in the 2021 SLC Invitational T20 League held in August 2021.
Making an impressive start, Pathirana debuted in Twenty20 cricket for the SLC Greys during the tournament. Prior to his Twenty20 debut, he had also represented Sri Lanka in the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Building on his early successes, Pathirana continued to make strides in his career.
In April 2022, he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2022 Indian Premier League as a replacement for Adam Milne. Making his debut against the Gujarat Titans, Pathirana achieved a remarkable feat by taking a wicket with his very first ball, dismissing Shubman Gill. This achievement not only made him the first Sri Lankan cricketer to accomplish such a feat in the IPL but also marked him as the ninth player overall to achieve this milestone.
Subsequently, in July 2022, Pathirana joined the Kandy Falcons for the third edition of the Lanka Premier League, further expanding his experience in franchise cricket.
On the international stage, Pathirana received recognition when he was named in Sri Lanka's Twenty20 International (T20I) squad for the series against Australia in May 2022. However, he was unable to play in the series due to an injury that led to his subsequent absence from the team. Nevertheless, he was included in Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the 2022 Asia Cup in August 2022. Pathirana made his T20I debut against Afghanistan on 27th August 2022, adding another milestone to his cricketing career.
In March 2023, Pathirana's abilities were acknowledged once again as he was selected for both the One Day International and Twenty20 International squads for the series against New Zealand. This selection highlights his growing prominence and the trust placed in him by the Sri Lankan cricketing authorities.
Matheesha Pathirana Stats
Bowling Stats
Format
T20I
Matches (M)
1
Innings (Inn)
1
Balls (B)
6
Maidens (Mdn)
0
Runs
16
Wickets (W)
0
Best Bowling (BB)
0/16
Economy (Econ)
16.00
Average (Avg)
-
Strike Rate (SR)
-
4-Wicket Hauls (4W)
0
5-Wicket Hauls (5W)
0
Stats
Career Bowling Stats
Matches (M)
13
Innings (Inn)
13
Balls (B)
295
Maidens (Mdn)
0
Runs
379
Wickets (W)
19
Best Bowling (BB)
3/15
Economy (Econ)
7.70
Average (Avg)
19.9
Strike Rate (SR)
15.5
4-Wicket Hauls (4W)
0
5-Wicket Hauls (5W)
0
Format
IPL
Batting Stats
Format
T20I
Matches (M)
1
Innings (Inn)
1
Not Outs (NO)
0
Runs
5
Highest Score (HS)
5
Average (Avg)
5.0
Balls Faced (BF)
12
Strike Rate (SR)
41.7
Centuries (100s)
0
Half-Centuries (50s)
0
Fours
0
Sixes
0
Stats
Career Batting Stats
Matches (M)
13
Innings (Inn)
0
Not Outs (NO)
0
Runs
0
Highest Score (HS)
-
Average (Avg)
-
Balls Faced (BF)
0
Strike Rate (SR)
-
Centuries (100s)
0
Half-Centuries (50s)
0
Fours
0
Sixes
0
Format
IPL
Format
IPL
Catches
5
Run Outs
0
Stumpings
0
Stats
Career Fielding Stats
Matheesha Pathirana CSK
Matheesha Pathirana, the talented Sri Lankan cricketer, has made a significant impact playing for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Pathirana, a right-arm fast bowler known for his unique slingy action, was acquired by CSK for ₹20 lakhs during the IPL auction.
Pathirana's performance in the 2023 IPL has been remarkable. In 8 matches, he has taken 13 wickets with an average of 19.95 and an economy rate of 7.71. One of his standout moments came in a match against the Delhi Capitals, where he achieved a hat-trick while conceding just 15 runs in his 4 overs. This exceptional feat further solidified his reputation as a lethal bowler.
The Chennai Super Kings have heavily relied on Pathirana's abilities during the death overs. His ability to consistently deliver accurate and pacey yorkers has proven invaluable for the team. With his impressive performances, Pathirana has emerged as a revelation in the IPL, and his potential for future success is undeniable.
Notable performances by Matheesha Pathirana for CSK in the 2023 IPL include his exceptional bowling figures of 3 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs against the Delhi Capitals on May 10, which also featured a hat-trick. Additionally, he was named the Man of the Match for his impressive contribution of 3 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs against the Mumbai Indians on May 6. In another match against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 3, Pathirana took 2 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs.
Pathirana's impact on the CSK bowling attack has been significant, and his skill set makes him a valuable asset for the team's future endeavors. His ability to consistently deliver crucial wickets with his yorkers marks him as a player to watch out for in the coming seasons.
Who is Matheesha Pathirana-FAQs
Matheesha Pathirana is a talented cricketer from Kandy, Sri Lanka, known for his exceptional skills in fast bowling. He was born on December 18, 2002, and has been compared to the renowned Lasith Malinga due to his remarkable abilities on the cricket field.
Matheesha Pathirana made his debut in Twenty20 cricket for the SLC Greys in the 2021 SLC Invitational T20 League. He also represented Sri Lanka in the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he played for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2022 season.
In his IPL debut against the Gujarat Titans, Matheesha Pathirana achieved a remarkable feat. With his very first ball, he took the wicket of Shubman Gill, becoming the first Sri Lankan cricketer and the ninth player overall to accomplish this milestone in the history of the IPL.
Matheesha Pathirana's career is filled with promise, making him an exciting prospect for Sri Lankan cricket. He possesses a unique bowling action that perplexes opposing batsmen, combined with the ability to generate significant pace. Despite his young age, Pathirana is widely regarded as having the potential to become a world-class bowler in the future.