Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana is a right-arm fast bowler for the Sri Lankan national team, distinguished by his highly unique and slinging action, which is often compared to that of the legendary Lasith Malinga, earning him the nickname 'Baby Malinga.' His bowling style is a nightmare for batsmen due to the low-arm release point and late movement he generates, making it incredibly difficult to pick up the ball's trajectory. Pathirana's key strengths lie in his ability to deliver lethal toe-crushing yorkers at a high pace and execute deceptive slower balls, making him a specialist in the crucial death overs of a match.

After making a name for himself in the Sri Lanka domestic circuit, his breakout came with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In his debut IPL season, he immediately made an impact by dismissing Shubman Gill on his very first ball. Pathirana has since become a key player for his franchise and was instrumental in their 2023 championship victory. Though his international career is still in its early stages, his unique skill set and proven performance under pressure have cemented him as one of the most exciting young fast bowlers in world cricket.