Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana is a young Sri Lanka bowler, who often referred to as “Baby Malinga“, known with ability to deliver toe-crushing ball in a crucial moment. In this article, let’s explore his stories, through each performances he made.

Matheesha Pathirana: The “Baby Malinga” from Sri Lanka

Matheesha Pathirana, has shown immense potential in his young career. His ability to bring yorker and maintain a consistent line and length has made him a valuable asset in both domestic and international cricket.

Early Career

Matheesha Pathirana, born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, began his cricket journey at Trinity College, Kandy.

Known for his unique sling bowling action, reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, Pathirana quickly made a name for himself in school cricket.

His early career was marked by his participation in the Under-19 World Cup in 2020, where he gained attention for his fast bowling.

Domestic Career

Pathirana’s domestic career took off when he was named in the SLC Greys’ squad for the 2021 SLC Invitational T20 League, making his Twenty20 debut on August 22, 2021.

He was also a part of Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2020 and 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups. In April 2022, he signed with Nondescripts Cricket Club and later joined the Rangpur Riders in 2024.

International Career

Pathirana’s international career began in August 2022 when he made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan.

He made his mark in the 2022 Asia Cup and was later named in both the ODI and T20I squads for the series against New Zealand in March 2023.

His ODI debut came on June 2, 2023, against Afghanistan, where he claimed his maiden ODI wicket. He was also selected for the ICC ODI World Cup qualifier in June 2023.

World Cup’s Injury

Matheesha Pathirana, the young Sri Lanka pacer, faced a significant setback during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, as he suffered a shoulder injury that ultimately led to his withdrawal from the tournament. Here’s a detailed look at the incident and its implications:

The Injury Incident

• Match Details: The injury occurred during Sri Lanka’s second game of the World Cup against Pakistan in Hyderabad on October 10, 2023.
• Nature of Injury: Pathirana suffered a shoulder niggle, which hampered his ability to bowl effectively.
• Performance Impact: Despite playing in Sri Lanka’s opening defeats to South Africa and Pakistan, Pathirana was not able to bowl to his full ability, conceding 185 runs across the two matches.

Consequences of the Injury

• Withdrawal from the Tournament: Due to the severity of the injury, Pathirana was ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup 2023.
• Replacement Player: Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews was named as Pathirana’s replacement. Mathews, who has played 221 ODIs for Sri Lanka, was selected over other reserves due to his vast experience and batting capabilities.

Sri Lanka’s Injury Woes

• Other Injuries in the Squad: Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign was further jeopardized by injuries to key players. Wanindu Hasaranga suffered an injury prior to the World Cup. Next, Seamer Dushmantha Chameera was only named as a reserve due to injury struggles.
• Captain’s Injury: Captain Dasun Shanaka was also ruled out of the tournament with a torn quadricep, replaced by Chamika Karunaratne.

IPL Career

Pathirana’s IPL journey started in 2022 when he was signed by the Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for Adam Milne.

He made his debut against the Gujarat Titans and took the wicket of Shubman Gill in his very first ball.

He played a pivotal role in CSK’s successful campaign in the 2023 IPL, picking 19 wickets and helping the team win the trophy. He became the youngest foreign player to win an IPL trophy.

Career Across Formats

In ODIs, Pathirana has played 12 matches, taking 17 wickets with a best of 4/32. In T20Is, he has played only one match without taking any wickets.

His List A career includes 15 matches with 18 wickets, and in T20s, he has played 30 matches, taking 38 wickets with a best of 3/15.

Cricket Records List by Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana, a promising young bowler from Sri Lanka, has begun to make his mark in international cricket.

With an international career that started in 2022, Pathirana has shown potential in his performances. Here’s a detailed look at his significant records:

Top Records – One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Ranked 37th for the most runs conceded in an innings with 95 runs.

Matheesha Pathirana’s international career is still in its early stages, and while specific milestones and record-breaking achievements are yet to be established, his potential has been evident in his performances.

Known for his unique sling action, reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, Pathirana has already gained attention in the cricketing world.

Matheesha Pathirana: A Glimpse into His Family Life

Matheesha Pathirana, a rising star in Sri Lankan cricket, is not just known for his impressive skills on the cricket field but also comes from a family with a rich cultural background. Here’s a detailed look into his family life:

Parents and Siblings

His father, Anura Pathirana, a government employee, is also a talented guitarist who plays for his music band.

His mother, Mrs. Pathirana, whose first name is not widely mentioned, is a rhythm guitarist in the renowned “Salalihiniyo band.”

Furthermore, Matheesha has two elder sisters, Vishuka Pathirana and Tharindi Pathirana. Vishuka is an accomplished piano player, while Tharindi is known for her skills with the guitar.

Musical Heritage

The Pathirana family is deeply immersed in music, with each member proficient in at least one musical instrument. This rich musical heritage has significantly influenced Matheesha’s upbringing.

Matheesha himself is skilled in playing the piano and has a keen interest in music, reflecting the artistic talents within his family.

Personal Life

Matheesha, born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is currently 20 years old. He stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 2 inches, adding to his charismatic presence both on and off the cricket field.

As of the available information, Matheesha’s relationship status remains private, with no public information about any romantic involvement. He seems to be focusing primarily on his cricketing career.

Religion

Matheesha and his family adhere to Buddhism, a faith that plays a significant role in their lives.

Interaction with MS Dhoni

Matheesha’s cricketing journey has been notably influenced by MS Dhoni, the former Indian cricket captain and Chennai Super Kings leader. Dhoni’s mentorship has been crucial in Matheesha’s development as a cricketer.

Dhoni’s meeting with Matheesha’s family, as shared by his sister Vishuka on Instagram, highlights the close bond and trust between the player and his mentor.

Matheesha Pathirana: An Insight into His Net Worth and Financial Success

Matheesha Pathirana, a young and talented Sri Lankan cricketer, has not only made a name for himself in the cricketing world but also accumulated significant wealth at a young age.

Here’s a comprehensive look at his net worth, earnings, endorsements, and other financial aspects:

Net Worth and Earnings

• Net Worth: Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, which is approximately Rs. 74,083,000 in Indian Rupees.
• Monthly Income: His monthly income is estimated to be around Rs. 800,000.
• IPL Salary: In the IPL Auction 2023, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) signed Matheesha for Rs. 20 lakhs. His performance in the IPL has been a significant contributor to his net worth.

Brand Endorsements

Matheesha has endorsed brands like Nike and other local brands in Sri Lanka. His growing popularity and cricketing skills have made him an attractive prospect for brand endorsements.

Matheesha Pathirana: Controversy in IPL 2023

Matheesha Pathirana, a Sri Lankan cricketer, found himself at the center of a controversy during the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans. Here’s a detailed look at the incident:

The Incident

• Context: The controversy occurred during Gujarat Titans’ chase against Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2023 Qualifier 1.
• Match Situation: Chennai had scored 172-7 at Chepauk. After 15 overs, Gujarat were 102-6. Three of Chennai’s bowlers had completed their quota of overs, leaving Matheesha Pathirana with three overs and Tushar Deshpande with two.
• Pathirana’s Absence: Pathirana had been off the ground for nine minutes, according to television commentators. As per IPL Playing Condition 24.2.3.1, a player absent for more than eight minutes cannot bowl until they have spent the equivalent time on the field.
• Dhoni’s Intervention: As Pathirana prepared to bowl, umpire Anil Chaudhary had a word with him. MS Dhoni, CSK’s captain, approached square-leg umpire Chris Gaffaney. The umpires informed Dhoni that Pathirana had to wait a few more minutes before being eligible to bowl.
• Delay in Play: Dhoni insisted on bowling Pathirana, reluctant to use off-spinner Moeen Ali against two right-handers. The discussion continued, leading to a delay in play. The umpires reminded Dhoni of the penalties for time-wasting.

The Outcome

• Legal Implications: According to Law 41.9, the umpires can warn the captain for slow progress or time-wasting. If the waste of time continues, a 5-run penalty can be awarded to the batting side. It is unclear if Dhoni was warned, but it was unlikely to impact the match’s outcome.
• Resumption of Play: By the time play resumed, enough time had elapsed for Matheesha Pathirana to become eligible to bowl again. Chennai had to bowl their last over with an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle due to the delay