Former Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has urged young Pesar Matheesha Pathirana to play Test cricket despite his unique bowling action. Malinga said that by participating in Test matches, Pathirana helped intensify her skills and contribute significantly to the success of Sri Lanka Cricket.
Pathirana started her international career with Sri Lanka during the Asia Cup in August 2022. The bowler scored 16 runs in his only over, as Sri Lanka lost by 8 wickets. He performed his ODI against Afghanistan in June 2023, but took just one wicket. He has not yet been started in Test cricket.
Matheesha Pathirana should play 5 to 10 Test matches for Sri Lanka – Lasith Malinga
In a Facebook post, Lasith Malinga said that Pathirana needs to play Test cricket. He said that playing Test matches will help further develop Pathirana and allow them to get great things for the country.
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Malinga wrote, “I still believe that in the coming days, Mathesh Pathirana should play 5 to 10 Test matches for Sri Lanka. If this happens, he will be able to do great work for the country.”
Lasith Malinga says that Mathesh Pathirana should play four days and test cricket to speed up and improve his skills as a bowler. pic.twitter.com/4ng14cafoz
– Cricwire (@cricwirelk) August 10, 2025
I think
During the IPL 2023, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni said that Pathirana should focus a completely limited-over cricket, especially instead of red ball formats on T20 and ICC tournaments. Dhoni urged Sri Lanka to carefully manage his charge.
“I think he should not play red-ball cricket, even not close to it, even with ODI, only ICC tournament should be played and the rest should keep as low as possible, because he is not a person who will change a lot,” Dhoni said.
He said, “This is what he will do. So you can always use it at an important time. But make sure that it is fit and available for all ICC tournaments and will be a great property for Sri Lanka,” he said.
Pathirana made a strong impact during IPL 2023. He took 10 wickets for Chennai Super Kings, who won the title in that season. The fast bowler gave significant performances and helped win several matches with his mantra.
Mathesh Pathirana’s bowling performance for Sri Lanka and franchise teams
Mathesh Pathirana began her professional cricket trip in domestic competitions and attracted attention during the ICC U-19 World Cup with her frequent bowling.
In international cricket, Pathirana has played 12 ODI matches, taking 17 wickets on an average of 36.23. He has also portrayed in 19 T20i Games and claimed 30 wickets. Pacer has recorded three four-cicat halls in Limited-Over Cricket.
Beyond international cricket, Pathirana has performed well in the franchise leagues like IPL, SA 20 and LPL. In particular, he has played 32 IPL matches and has taken 47 wickets. He was put forward by CSK Rs 13 crore from the IPL 2025 auction.
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