Matheesha Pathirana likely to be ruled out of 2026 T20 World Cup!

Fast bowler Matheesa Pathirana is likely to miss the remainder of the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup after sustaining a thigh injury while bowling against Australia on Monday (16).

Pathirana suffered a thigh injury during the World Cup Group B match against Australia at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

After bowling the fourth ball of his opening over, the 23-year-old Pathirana fell to the ground clutching his left leg.

He was treated by Sri Lankan team physiotherapists and eventually taken off the field. He was unable to walk without assistance, a sign that the injury could be serious.

In his absence, skipper Dasun Shanaka bowled the remaining two deliveries of that over.

Sri Lanka Cricket has confirmed that Matheesa Pathirana will not be participating in the Australia Test series due to a left thigh injury sustained while bowling.

Pathirana was scheduled to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the injury, Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.

In his absence, Sri Lanka is expected to name either Dilshan Madushanka or Nuwan Thushara in the squad.