“MSD groomed and gifted a star to the Lankans” – Twitter reacts as Matheesha Pathirana is likely to make his ODI debut against Afghanistan in June

Sri Lanka’s young fast-bowling sensation Matheesha Pathirana played a spectacular role with the ball for Chennai Super Kings in the sixteenth edition of the Indian Premier League. The right-arm paceman’s slingy bowling action is quite similar to Lasith Malinga, which is why he is referred to as “Baby Malinga”.

Chennai Super Kings acquired the services of Pathirana for INR 20 lakh at the IPL 2022 mega auction in Bengaluru. The yellow army groomed the youngster ever so well for a year and it reaped rewards in IPL 2023 season.

In the IPL 2022 season, he played only 2 games wherein he picked up two wickets. However, in IPL 2023 season, he turned out to be one of the brightest prospects for CSK, taking a total of 19 wickets in 12 games.

Notably, he maintained a bowling average of 19.53 and an economy of 8.01, registering his personal best bowling figures of 3/15. He drew plaudits for his impeccable bowling performances throughout the IPL 2023 season.

Matheesha Pathirana is likely to make his ODI debut against Afghanistan in June

Meanwhile, in the latest development, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced a 16-member squad for the first two ODIs against the Afghanistan cricket team. Notably, Matheesha Pathirana received a call for One-Day Internationals. The first ODI begins on June 2 at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka took to their official Twitter handle to confirm the development. Dasun Shanaka will be leading the team from the front whereas Kusal Mendis will be serving as Shanaka’s deputy.

Matheesha Pathirana made his T20I debut for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan in 2022. A few months ago, the 20-year-old was named in both ODI and T20I squad for the series against New Zealand but didn’t feature in the starting XI.

Sri Lanka’s squad for the first 2 ODIs against Afghanistan

Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.

MSD groomed and gifted a star to the lankans.

— Ronald Speirs (@KiGi_97) May 31, 2023

He Still not fit for odi because his action he can't Bowl 10 over he might struggle in injury he is age 20 srilanka should make him play for T20 form for while then They need to give in odi fromat

— BABU (@BABU62057903) May 31, 2023

Got all the fame and money from IPL. Skills from Dhoni. Will be trained under banner CSK and one day will be responsible for throwing India out of the World Cup Championships…

— Dr. Jimmy Kagathara (@drjimmy2407) May 31, 2023

Good sri lanka board didn’t waste much time and give him chance straight away

— Stiffmeister (@chico91617929) May 31, 2023

So MS dhoni gifted a star to srilankan cricket

— Sid Malhotra 🇮🇳(Kaira stan ✨) (@SidMalh7) May 31, 2023

Yes just like how malinga groomed bumrah

— yolow (@louise99971) May 31, 2023

Be ready for action suspense

— Pratik 💌 (@true_rohit_fan) May 31, 2023

A serious talent 🙌🙌

— Hassan Nawaz (@iam_hussy) May 31, 2023

He has a bright future ahead. Malinga's successor.

— ऋत्विक (@RjInMbCa47201) May 31, 2023

Special Talent ⭐️

— Zee Raja (@Zeerajamusic) May 31, 2023