AFG vs SL: This Boy Can Do The Job Malinga Used To Do - Irfan Pathan Hails Matheesha Pathirana

Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan has heaped praise on Sri Lanka youngster Matheesha Pathirana after the pacer’s impressive spell against Bangladesh in the second game of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

Defending champions Sri Lanka began their campaign with an impressive win over Bangladesh in Pallekele. The co-hosts thrashed the Bangla Tigers by 5 wickets. And one of the biggest architects of the win was Matheesha Pathirana. The right-arm pacer ran through Bangladesh’s middle and lower order to put his team on top.

He picked up 4 wickets for 32 runs as Sri Lanka bowled out Bangladesh for a modest total of 164 runs. The home side then chased down the total with five wickets in hand and 11 overs to spare. Sri Lanka were reeling at 43 for 3 at one stage before the fifties from Sadeera Samarawickrama and Charith Asalanka took them home with ease in the end.

Irfan Pathan praises Matheesha Pathirana:

After the game ended, Irfan Pathan lavished praise on Matheesha Pathirana and compared him with Sri Lanka great Lasith Malinga. Speaking on Star Sports, the former cricketer backed the young pacer to play the same role that Malinga used to play for the Islanders.

“He picked up four wickets, where you got to see the bouncer, hard length and slower ones. He completely foxed Taskin Ahmed. You have got a bowler who can win you matches. This boy can do the job Malinga used to do. His slower one also dips like him.

“He just has to be mindful of one thing, he shouldn’t get injured. If he doesn’t get injured for the next 10 years, he can become a champion bowler of the world, not only of Sri Lanka,” said Pathan.

Speaking further, Pathan pointed out that Matheesha Pathirana’s action makes him a tricky bowler for the opposition batters, saying:

“He dismissed Shakib Al Hasan, it was a very big wicket. He was late, the ball hit the gloves, it was an amazing catch. Although it was a very ordinary ball, his awkward action makes batters commit mistakes.

“After that, he dismissed Mushfiqur Rahim twice. He was out caught behind but he didn’t get Kusal Mendis’ support. He then bowled a sharp bouncer, both feet were in the air. Pace makes you commit mistakes,” added Pathan.

Matheesha Pathirana has impressed one and all with his performance in recent times. Earlier this year, he played a starring role in Chennai Super Kings’ victorious campaign in IPL 2023. And having started the Asia Cup on such a strong note, he will be looking to do well in the remainder of the competition too.