Pathirana provides ‘X-factor’ in Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign

by Rex Clementine  

Many are the Sri Lankan players who have stamped their authority at big global tournaments over the years. From being little known players to the world, some of these individuals have gone on to become global superstars in just a fortnight’s time.

The impact Sanath Jayasuriya had in the 1996 World Cup played a major part in Sri Lanka’s triumphant campaign. Then there was Lasith Malinga, who turned the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean upside down with his toe-crushing yorkers. Sri Lanka finished that campaign as runners-up. Little known mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis ran through India’s famous batting line-up in the 2008 Asia Cup final. Sri Lanka are banking on Matheesha Pathirana to turn around their fortunes in the upcoming T-20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States.

Pathirana was a sensation in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings. He has showcased glimpse of his skill sending down unplayable death overs. One thing that the 21-year-old has lacked though is consistency. If he is able to get his line right without being wayward, he will have a major impact in this competition. That exactly is what Chris Silverwood has been working with the bowler.

What gets most people worried is Pathirana’s slingy action at the pace he generates and many are the accomplished batsmen who have been made to eat humble pie. This World Cup could be remembered for Pathirana’s match winning heroics and stumps of some big names being shattered.

Sri Lanka will be buoyed by the fact that Dilshan Madushanka is firing on all cylinders as well. The left-arm quick missed his IPL stint with Mumbai Indians due to injury and in the last two years he has been exciting to watch. All bases in the Sri Lankan bowling attack are covered with Dushmantha Chameera leading the pack. Spin department is in the safe hands of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana and it is only hoped that none of them will suffer injuries.

More than the 50 over format, Sri Lanka have been far more reliable in the T-20 format. Their top order is settled with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis will probably be pushed to number three during this competition.

Charith Asalanka has scripted a few famous wins batting at five and Sadeera Samarawickrama has come up with some match winning performances as well.

Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka are capable finishers and captain Hasaranga has done well in the floater position pushing himself up the order. Hasaranga at present is ranked number one among all-rounders in the T-20 format. It’s a superb achievement considering that he is being challenged by other all-rounders like Moeen Ali. Marcus Stoinis and Hardik Pandya.

Sri Lanka will play two warm-up games against Netherlands and Ireland on the 28th and 31st May in Florida. Their World Cup campaign gets underway on 3rd June in New York against South Africa.