Pathirana received immediate treatment from the Sri Lankan physiotherapist and was assisted off the field by support staff. He then spent most of the innings receiving treatment in the dressing room.
“Matheesha Pathirana experienced discomfort in the calf of his left leg while bowling and was unable to continue. He will not continue bowling in this match. A scan will be conducted tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury,” said a statement as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The right-arm pacer had started well against Australia, bowling two dot balls and conceding just three runs (including a wide) in his first four deliveries. The last two balls of the over were bowled by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who gave away a four and a run. Pathirana, the fastest bowler in Sri Lanka’s attack, is a key part of their death-bowling strategy in the tournament. He also becomes the second Sri Lankan bowler to suffer an injury after Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the World Cup due to a hamstring injury.
Sri Lanka recorded an emphatic eight-wicket win over Australia in Match No. 30 of Group B on February 16 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Australia posted 181 all out in their 20 overs with Mitchell Marsh scoring 54 and Travis Head contributing 56. Dushan Hemantha was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, claiming 3/37.
In response, Sri Lanka chased the target comfortably in 18 overs to finish at 184/2. Pathum Nissanka played with an unbeaten 100, while Kusal Mendis added 51. Marcus Stoinis was Australia’s best player with the ball, finishing with 2/46. With this win, Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.
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