Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana, born on December 18, 2002, is a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket known for his impressive bowling skills, often likened to the legendary Lasith Malinga due to his slingy action. Pathirana's journey in cricket began with Sri Lanka's Under-19 team, where he showcased his talent during the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. His consistent performances earned him a spot in the national squad for the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in the West Indies, further solidifying his status as a promising talent in Sri Lankan cricket.

In franchise cricket, Pathirana made waves with his stint at the Chennai Super Kings, playing a crucial role in their triumphant campaign in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). His standout performance saw him pick up 19 wickets during the tournament, making him the youngest foreign player to win an IPL trophy, a remarkable achievement for the young cricketer. Pathirana's talent also caught the attention of selectors, leading to his inclusion in the Sri Lankan national team.

Despite facing some setbacks due to injury, he made his mark in international cricket with notable performances. His debut in T20Is against Afghanistan in August 2022 marked the beginning of his international career, followed by his ODI debut against Afghanistan in June 2023, where he claimed his maiden ODI wicket by dismissing Rahmat Shah. His impressive performances continued, earning him a spot in Sri Lanka's squad for the ICC ODI World Cup qualifier in June 2023. Pathirana's standout bowling spell in a T20I against Afghanistan, where he took 4 wickets for 24 runs, showcased his potential as a match-winner for his team, earning him the player of the match award.

As Pathirana continues to hone his skills and make significant contributions to both domestic and international cricket, he remains a player to watch out for, with the potential to become a key figure in Sri Lankan cricket in the years to come.