Heenatigala Pathiranage Matheesha Anushal Vihanga Pathirana is a Sri Lankan international cricketer known for his right-arm fast bowling. A right-handed lower-order batter as well, he has gained attention for his pace and yorker skills, drawing comparisons to former Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga early in his career. He bowls primarily as a strike pacer in limited-overs formats.
Pathirana made his T20 International debut in August 2022 against Afghanistan and his ODI debut in June 2023 against Afghanistan. Since entering the international scene, he has been used as a pace option in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs squads, taking regular wickets in T20Is and contributing with disciplined bowling figures. In a 2024 T20 series against India, he was Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker in the T20 portion of the tour.
Over his career to late 2025, he has taken 31 T20I wickets at an average in the high teens, reflecting effectiveness in the shortest format, and 17 ODI wickets in a modest number of matches. His best figures in both formats include multiple four-wicket hauls, underlining his ability to break partnerships and control middle overs.
Pathirana’s bowling is noted for its rhythm and pace, particularly in short formats where precision in the death overs is critical. He often bowls swift yorkers and can generate movement with his deliveries, making him a specialist option in the final phases of limited-overs matches. His action and role have drawn early career comparisons to Lasith Malinga, though Pathirana has developed his own pace and tactical approach.
His batting contributions remain minimal, as his primary impact is with the ball. His ability to take wickets from key positions and maintain pressure at the death has made him a growing asset for Sri Lanka and franchise teams.
Matheesha Pathirana is a young Sri Lankan pace bowler making strides in international and franchise cricket with his ability to take wickets and execute death-overs bowling. With growing experience in global T20 leagues and solid limited-overs statistics, he is viewed as one of Sri Lanka’s promising fast bowling talents in the modern game.