In the ever-evolving world of cricket, Sri Lanka has consistently produced world-class talent. From the unplayable Yorkers of Lasith Malinga to the wizardry of Muttiah Muralitharan, the island nation has made a lasting impression on the global cricket stage. Now, a new name is making waves—Matheesha Pathirana, a young fast bowler dubbed by many as the “next Malinga.”
Early Life and Background
Born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Matheesha Pathirana grew up with a passion for cricket. From a young age, he was recognized for his unusual slingy bowling action—reminiscent of his idol Lasith Malinga. His unique style quickly gained attention in domestic circuits and junior cricket tournaments, earning him the nickname “Baby Malinga.”
Pathirana first rose to prominence during the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where he represented Sri Lanka. Though his appearances were brief, his raw pace and unorthodox action caught the eye of scouts and analysts around the world.
IPL Breakthrough
The turning point in Matheesha’s career came in 2022 when he was signed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Initially brought in as a replacement player, Pathirana stunned fans and pundits with his toe-crushing yorkers and deceptive slower balls. Under the mentorship of MS Dhoni and the CSK coaching staff, his game matured rapidly.
During the 2023 IPL season, Pathirana emerged as one of CSK’s key bowlers in the death overs. His ability to deliver under pressure earned him comparisons not only to Malinga but also placed him among the top emerging fast bowlers in the world.
International Career
Pathirana made his T20 International debut for Sri Lanka in August 2022. While still early in his international journey, his performances in franchise cricket have made him a strong contender for regular inclusion in the national squad across formats.
With Sri Lanka looking to rebuild and strengthen its pace attack, Pathirana offers a promising future. His ability to bowl consistently above 140 km/h, coupled with a deceptive slower delivery, makes him a potent weapon—especially in T20 and ODI cricket.
Style and Strengths
What sets Matheesha Pathirana apart is his slinging action, which creates awkward angles and makes it difficult for batters to pick the ball. His strengths include:
- Lethal Yorkers: A deadly weapon in the death overs.
- Deceptive Pace Variations: Makes him unpredictable.
- Cool Temperament: Calm under pressure, even in high-stakes matches.
- Mentorship from Malinga and Dhoni: Gaining insights from legends of the game.
The Road Ahead
As of 2025, Matheesha Pathirana is considered one of Sri Lanka’s brightest cricketing prospects. With franchise experience under his belt and increasing international exposure, he is poised to become a mainstay in the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
If nurtured well, Pathirana could carry forward the legacy of Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling greats and lead the team into a new era of cricketing excellence.
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