Sri Lanka’s fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the third T20I against Bangladesh due to a grade one hamstring injury. Pathirana sustained the injury during the previous match while attempting to finish his fourth over. Despite his efforts, he was unable to complete his spell, leaving Angelo Mathews to bowl the final two balls.
Pathirana, known for his express pace, has been a key figure in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. He bowled at speeds exceeding 150kph and has been particularly effective at the death. In the first T20I, however, he leaked 56 runs in his four overs, while in the second, he took 2 for 28 from 3.4 overs.
Sri Lanka has a potential replacement for Pathirana in Nuwan Thushara, who bowls with a similar round-arm action, although he lacks Pathirana’s pace. The squad also includes left-arm seamers Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka as other options.
The series is currently tied at 1-1, setting up an exciting final match in Sylhet. Pathirana’s absence will be a blow to Sri Lanka, as he is also a crucial player for the Chennai Super Kings in the upcoming IPL, where he is designated as the team’s death bowler. The IPL is set to begin on March 22 in Chennai.
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