Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss at least three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Australia, a significant blow to the national cricket team.
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The tearaway pacer limped off the field after breaking down in his first over of the match. Delivering to Australia captain Mitchell Marsh, Pathirana pulled up after his fourth ball and immediately clutched his left leg in visible discomfort. Team physios rushed out, but it quickly became apparent he could not continue. He was assisted off the field, with skipper Dasun Shanaka completing the over.
According to reports from Sri Lankan media, the team management is awaiting scan results but fears the injury could sideline Pathirana for a minimum of three weeks, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of the tournament.
Sri Lanka are now expected to seek a replacement, subject to approval from the ICC Technical Committee. Possible options under consideration include Binura Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, while Nuwan Thushara and Milan Rathnayake are also reportedly in the mix.
The injury is not only a setback for Sri Lanka’s World Cup ambitions but also for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. The franchise had secured Pathirana for a massive Rs 18 crore at the auction. With Mustafizur Rahman released and Harshit Rana set to miss part of IPL 2026, the Sri Lankan’s injury compounds KKR’s pace-bowling concerns.
Given Pathirana’s history with fitness setbacks, there are concerns that his recovery period could extend beyond the projected three weeks, potentially affecting both international and franchise commitments.
