AFG vs SL: "Pleasure To Work With Him"- Sri Lanka Coach Chris Silverwood Praises Matheesha Pathirana's Match-Winning Spell Against Bangladesh

Matheesha Pathirana’s match-winning spell of 4/32 in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2023 opener against Bangladesh ensured a comfortable win against the Tigers. Bangladesh were bowled out for just 164 and the Lankans chased down the target in just 39 overs with five wickets to spare.

Sri Lanka who entered the Asia Cup without Wanindu Hasaranga, Dusmantha Chameera, and Lahiru Kumara are now topping group A and looking a good bowling unit. Maheesh Theekshana picked two, Duneeth Wellalege picked one and skipper Dasun Shanaka picked one.

Pathirana first dismissed Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan with a pacy delivery that took his gloves as Kusal Mendis behind the wickets completed a brilliant catch. Shakib was clearly beaten by the pace of the delivery as the bat went late and the ball had already taken the gloves. He then dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim in the 33rd over to break the back of the Bangladesh batting lineup.

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We Have Tweaked His Run-Up Bit Not The Action: Chris Silverwood On Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood spoke about the minor adjustments that Pathirana made to his bowling after the five-wicket win.

“He bowled beautifully. He has had some experience in IPL. He came to World Cup qualifiers with us and worked on bowling with a new ball. We tweaked his run-up a bit, not the action. He has worked very hard and absorbs information very well. It is a pleasure to work with him. He does things his way” Silverwood spoke on Pathiorana after the match.

It was Pathirana’s best figures in List-A cricket so far and that it came in a match-winning cause made it even more special. Silverwood further spoke about the pitch that became difficult for batting as the match went on. Nazmul Hossain Shanto however proved that it had runs for the batters who were ready to grind it out. For Sri Lanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama (54) and Charith Asalanka (62) also proved the same.

“The wicket was okay. It was difficult to start batting on that wicket, but it became easier. We got some swing with the new ball” Silverwood added.

Sri Lanka will now travel to Lahore to face Afghanistan in their next group match on Tuesday, September 5.

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