Matheesha Pathirana, often dubbed “Baby Malinga,” is a promising fast bowler from Sri Lanka. Born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, Pathirana has quickly made a name for himself with his unique sling-arm bowling action, reminiscent of Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga. Known for his lethal yorkers and ability to swing the ball, Pathirana has become a key player for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Personal Profile
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matheesha Pathirana |
| Date of Birth | 18 December 2002 |
| Age | 21 years |
| Place of Birth | Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm fast |
| Role | Bowler |
| IPL Debut | 2022 (Chennai Super Kings) |
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Early Career and Background
Matheesha Pathirana made his mark in international cricket through Sri Lanka’s U-19 World Cup squads in 2020 and 2022. His exceptional bowling skills and a distinct action led to comparisons with Lasith Malinga, one of the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history. Pathirana’s ability to bowl toe-crushing yorkers and maintain a consistent pace made him a standout player in the youth circuit.
IPL Debut and Journey with CSK
Pathirana was roped in by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) during the 2022 IPL season as a replacement for injured pacer Adam Milne. Despite being a young and relatively inexperienced bowler, he showcased his potential with impressive spells, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His sling-arm action, similar to Malinga’s, brought back memories of the legendary pacer, earning him the nickname “Baby Malinga.”
The All-Rounder in Action
Pathirana’s debut in IPL 2022 was marked by his pace and accuracy. In the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he solidified his role as one of CSK’s key death-over bowlers. His ability to deliver under pressure and pick up crucial wickets made him a valuable asset for the team. Despite limited opportunities with the bat, his fielding skills and agility on the ground have also been noteworthy.
Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL Stats Overview
Batting & Fielding Stats
| Year | Matches | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 1 |
| 2023 | 12 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 1 |
| Career | 20 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 6 |
Bowling Stats
| Year | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4W | 5W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | 132 | 169 | 13 | 4/28 | 13.00 | 7.68 | 10.15 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023 | 12 | 278 | 371 | 19 | 3/15 | 19.53 | 8.01 | 14.63 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 41 | 52 | 2 | 2/24 | 26.00 | 7.61 | 20.50 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 20 | 451 | 592 | 34 | 4/28 | 17.41 | 7.88 | 13.26 | 1 | 0 |
Pathirana’s Bowling Style and Impact
Matheesha Pathirana’s unique bowling action, characterized by his sling-arm delivery, has made him a tricky customer for batsmen. He specializes in delivering toe-crushing yorkers, especially in the death overs, making him a reliable option for closing out innings. His pace and accuracy have been instrumental in restricting runs and taking crucial wickets at pivotal moments.
Awards and Achievements
- Sri Lanka U-19 World Cup Squad: 2020, 2022
- IPL Debut with CSK: 2022
- Best Bowling Figures in IPL: 4/28 (2024 season)
- Nickname: “Baby Malinga” due to his similar bowling style to Lasith Malinga
Conclusion
Matheesha Pathirana’s journey from being a promising young talent in Sri Lanka to making a significant impact in the IPL has been remarkable. His unique bowling style, inspired by the legendary Lasith Malinga, sets him apart on the cricket field. With consistent performances in the IPL and growing international experience, Pathirana is poised to be a key player for both CSK and the Sri Lankan national team in the coming years. As he continues to develop his skills, cricket fans around the world eagerly await to see more of this exciting young talent in action.
By incorporating Matheesha Pathirana into their squad, Chennai Super Kings have added a dynamic and promising bowler who could be a future star in the cricketing world.
FAQs
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Who is Matheesha Pathirana?
Matheesha Pathirana is a Sri Lankan fast bowler known for his sling-arm action, similar to Lasith Malinga.
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Why is Matheesha Pathirana called “Baby Malinga”?
He is nicknamed “Baby Malinga” due to his bowling action, which closely resembles that of Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga.
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When did Matheesha Pathirana make his IPL debut?
Pathirana made his IPL debut in 2022, playing for Chennai Super Kings.
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Which IPL team does Matheesha Pathirana play for?
He plays for Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
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What is Matheesha Pathirana’s role in cricket?
He is a right-arm fast bowler, specializing in death-over bowling.
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How old is Matheesha Pathirana?
He was born on December 18, 2002, making him 21 years old as of 2024.
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Has Matheesha Pathirana played for Sri Lanka’s national team?
Yes, he has represented Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket.
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What are Matheesha Pathirana’s best bowling figures in the IPL?
His best bowling figures in the IPL are 4 wickets for 28 runs.
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How did Matheesha Pathirana join Chennai Super Kings?
He was brought in as a replacement for the injured Adam Milne during the 2022 IPL season.
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What makes Matheesha Pathirana a unique bowler?
His sling-arm bowling action and ability to deliver yorkers make him a challenging bowler for batsmen.
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