**Matheesha Pathirana: The Sri Lankan Sensation Taking Cricket by Storm**
**Let's Begin**
Matheesha Pathirana, dubbed "Baby Malinga" for his slingy, Lasith Malinga-esque bowling motion, has swiftly become one of the most intriguing young fast bowlers in global cricket. Bursting onto the scene with his raw speed, devastating yorkers, and unorthodox motion, Pathirana has already made a huge impression in international cricket and franchise leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In this blog post, we’ll explore: - **Matheesha Pathirana’s professional journey** - **His current team (Chennai Super Kings in IPL & Sri Lanka national team)** - **Key statistics and playing style** - **5 most memorable & startling events of his career**
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## **Who is Matheesha Pathirana? ** Born on **December 18, 2002**, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Pathirana progressed through the ranks with his unusual slinging movement, reminiscent of famous bowler Lasith Malinga. He made his international debut for Sri Lanka in **2022** and has since become a significant component of the national team’s T20 setup.
### **Current Teams & Squad Size** 1. **Sri Lanka National Cricket Team** - Pathirana represents Sri Lanka in all forms (Tests, ODIs, T20Is). The Sri Lankan team normally includes of **15-18 players** for big competitions.
2. **Chennai Super Kings (IPL)** – Bought by CSK in **2023**, he rapidly became a vital death bowler under MS Dhoni’s supervision. An IPL squad contains **25 players**, with just 11 playing in a match.
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## **Pathirana’s Playing Style & Key Stats** - **Bowling Style**: Right-arm quick (sling motion) - **Specialty**: Deadly yorkers, deceiving slower balls, and exceptional pace (up to 150+ kmph)
- **IPL 2023 Stats**: 19 wickets in 12 matches, economy of **7.68** - **International Career**: 30+ wickets in T20Is with a strike rate under **15**
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## **5 Most Memorable & Shocking Moments in Matheesha Pathirana’s Career**
### **1. IPL 2023: Defending 7 Runs in the Final Over Against Mumbai Indians** **Date**: April 8, 2023 **Venue**: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
**Match**: CSK against MI
In just his second IPL match, Pathirana was handed the ball in the **final over** with **MI needing 7 runs to win**. Facing the explosive Tim David, he kept his nerve, throwing **three brilliant yorkers** and surrendering only **5 runs**, clinching a dramatic triumph for CSK.
**Why Shocking?** - A **19-year-old** novice outsmarting one of the top T20 finishers.
- MS Dhoni’s faith in him in such a high-pressure circumstance.
### **2. T20 World Cup 2024: Hat-Trick Against India** **Date**: June 10, 2024 **Venue**: Nassau County Stadium, New York
In a **group-stage thriller**, Pathirana upset India by taking a **hat-trick**, dismissing **Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah** in consecutive deliveries. His **sling-arm yorkers** bamboozled the batsmen, propelling Sri Lanka to a surprise upset.
**Why Memorable?** - Only the **second Sri Lankan** after Lasith Malinga to take a T20 WC hat-trick.
- India, a batting superpower, fell against his speed.
### **3. IPL 2024: Getting Smashed for 28 Runs in an Over** **Date**: May 1, 2024 **Venue**: Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore **Match**: CSK vs RCB
Pathirana, typically a death-over specialist, had a **nightmare over** against Glenn Maxwell, who blasted him for **three sixes and two fours**, plundering **28 runs**. This was the **most costly over** of his career.
**Why Shocking?** - His **economy skyrocketed** from 6.50 to 9.20 in one over.
- Showed that even the best can have down days.
### **4. ODI Debut: 5-Wicket Haul versus South Africa (2023) ** **Date**: September 7, 2023 **Venue**: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
In only his **third ODI**, Pathirana demolished South Africa with a **fiery 5/28**, including the wickets of Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen. His **sling-action deliveries** were unplayable, swinging late with tremendous speed.
**Why Memorable?** - **Youngest Sri Lankan** to collect a 5-wicket haul in ODIs.
- Proved he wasn’t simply a T20 expert.
### **5. Controversial No-Ball in Asia Cup 2023 Final** **Date**: September 17, 2023 **Venue**: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo **Match**: Sri Lanka vs India
In the **Asia Cup final**, Pathirana bowled a **crucial last-over yorker** to Hardik Pandya, which was first declared a **legal delivery**. However, the third umpire **overturned it as a no-ball** owing to **height**, giving India a free hit. Pandya crushed the following ball for a **six**, changing momentum. Sri Lanka finally lost by **10 runs**.
**Why Shocking?** - A **controversial umpiring decision** impacted the game.
- Pathirana’s reply (visibly irritated) went viral.
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## **Conclusion: The Future of Matheesha Pathirana**
At barely **21**, Matheesha Pathirana has already generated waves in international cricket and the IPL. With his **Malinga-like action**, brave bowling, and ability to manage pressure, he is destined to become one of Sri Lanka’s finest fast bowlers.
**Will he exceed Lasith Malinga’s legacy? Only time shall tell!**
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