Pathirana Ruled Out of World Cup

Sri Lanka’s star fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup due to injury. Scans revealed a calf strain that may take several weeks to heal. However, there is currently no concern regarding his availability for the IPL.

Twenty-five-year-old pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been named as his replacement in the squad on Wednesday, a day before Sri Lanka’s final group match against Zimbabwe. Both teams have already secured their places in the Super Eight stage.

Pathirana suffered the injury during Sri Lanka’s match against Australia in Pallekele. After delivering his fourth ball of the spell, he clutched his left leg and fell to the ground. He was later assisted off the field and did not return to bowl in that innings.

Pathirana is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s best death bowlers and is also the fastest among their pace attack. His absence will undoubtedly be a major setback for the Lankan side.

Madushanka, who replaces him, has taken 15 wickets in 15 T20 Internationals at an average of 31.86, with an economy rate of 9.75. He last played a T20I in July 2024 against India in Pallekele, where he conceded 45 runs in three overs.

In early 2025, Madushanka suffered another leg injury that kept him out of action for nearly a year. Although he returned to the squad for a home series against Bangladesh, he did not feature in any match. During a subsequent tour of Zimbabwe, he picked up five wickets in two ODIs before sustaining another injury, this time to his knee.

Due to a lack of match fitness, he missed Sri Lanka’s final set of tours before the World Cup. However, Pathirana’s injury has handed the left-arm pacer another opportunity. Not too long ago, he was among the leading wicket-takers at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, claiming 21 wickets.

In the Super Eight stage of the T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka will face England in Pallekele, New Zealand in Khettarama, and Pakistan once again in Pallekele.