Sri Lanka’s pace attack has suffered a major setback with Matheesha Pathirana almost certain to miss the remainder of the T20 World Cup after scans confirmed a calf strain that could require several weeks of recovery. His availability for the IPL, however, is not believed to be in immediate danger.
Pathirana sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s group-stage clash against Australia in Pallekele. The right-arm quick pulled up clutching his left leg after delivering his fourth ball of the spell and had to be assisted off the field. He did not return to bowl in the innings.
Sri Lanka batting consultant Vikram Rathour confirmed the development on Wednesday ahead of the side’s final group fixture against Zimbabwe.
“I think he’s been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out, if it’s ruling him out. As far as the replacement is concerned, it’s still being discussed,” Rathour said.
Pathirana has been Sri Lanka’s premier death bowler and the quickest among their pace options, making his absence a significant blow. The team is now weighing potential replacements. Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka, recently back from injury, is in contention despite a modest T20I record.
Fellow quicks Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara are also being considered, while management is exploring batting and spin-bowling reinforcements as well.
Sri Lanka are scheduled to face England in Pallekele and New Zealand at Khettarama during the Super Eight stage, along with a third opponent yet to be determined, again in Pallekele.