In IPL 2022, Mathisha Pathirana was included in the CSK squad in place of the injured Adam Milne. The action of this bowler is very similar to that of Lasith Maling.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer Mathisha Pathirana managed to make a mark in his IPL debut. Pathirana walks his first ball to Shubman Gill. The bowler then took the prized wicket of Hardik Pandya, who managed to deceive with a slower ball to get an edge.
Mathisha Pathirana took two wickets for 24 runs in 3.1 overs. Pathirana’s action is very similar to that of Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga. In Ace, he has become famous in the cricket world by the name of ‘Junior Malinga’. 19-year-old Mathisha Pathirana was part of the Sri Lankan Under-19 World Cup team in the years 2020 and 2022.
Dhoni’s praise
CSK captain MS Dhoni has also praised this young bowler. Dhoni said in the post-match press conference, ‘The chances of a mistake in Pathirana with this action are very less. I think Pathirana is a great death bowler, somewhat similar to Malinga. The slingy action doesn’t give him much bounce, but his balls are slow too. We will try to give enough time to such bowlers.
Mathisha Pathirana was included in the CSK squad in place of the injured Adam Milne in Chennai Super Kings’ first match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Gujarat beat CSK
Talking about the match, batting first after winning the toss, Chennai Super Kings scored 133 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Rituraj Gaikwad scored the highest 53 and N. Jagadeesan scored an unbeaten 39 runs. Mohammed Shami took the maximum of two wickets for Chennai.
In reply, Gujarat Titans won the match by scoring 137 for three in 18.5 overs. Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha played the highest unbeaten innings of 59 runs. While Matthew Wade contributed 20 and Shubman Gill contributed 18 runs. Mahish Teekshana got the maximum two successes from CSK.
