Dilshan Madushanka Replaces Injured Matheesha Pathirana Ahead of SL vs Zim

Matheesha Pathirana left the field clutching his left leg after bowling just four deliveries against Australia in Pallekele and did not return to bowl. Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Vikram Rathour confirmed, "I think he's been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out, if it's ruling him out."

Pathirana, regarded as Sri Lanka’s fastest death bowler, will miss the Super Eight matches.

Madushanka Called Up

Dilshan Madushanka, 25, steps in as Pathirana’s replacement. He has 15 T20I wickets at an average of 31.86 with an economy rate of 9.75. Madushanka last played a T20I in July 2024 against India in Pallekele, where he conceded 45 runs in three overs.

Though injury setbacks have limited his recent game time, Madushanka impressed previously with 21 wickets at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.

Sri Lanka’s Super Eight Fixtures

Sri Lanka will face England in Pallekele, New Zealand at Khettarama, and Pakistan again in Pallekele during the Super Eight stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.