Pathirana Labelled Fluke After Horror Asia Cup Show vs BAN; Here's What Stats Suggest

Matheesha Pathirana Bowling For Sri Lanka - (Source : AFP)

The much-awaited Asia Cup 2025 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh got underway at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The Tigers, batting first, got off to the worst possible start as they lost five wickets for just 50 runs on the board. 

The Island Nation were on top of their game as Charith Asalanka opted for an extra seamer and the move repaid in the first half of the first innings. Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera bowled brilliantly as they took wickets in their first over.

Fans Furious With Matheesha Pathirana After Horror Show vs BAN

However, Matheesha Pathirana had a disappointing day as the right-arm seamer gave away 42 runs in his four overs and went wicketless. The 22-year-old, who was once touted as the next big thing or the 'Next Malinga' of Sri Lanka cricket, somehow lost track in 2025. 

The right-arm seamer isn't having the greatest of years so far, as he has taken just 23 wickets in 26 innings. The fans are upset with the youngster over his wayward line and length. 

The internet also labelled Pathirana as a fluke and a cricketer who is experiencing a significant dip in form. Meanwhile, this article will look at whether the 22-year-old is really a fluke or if he continues to be Sri Lanka's effective seamer.

 Let's Look at Matheesha Pathirana's Stats For Sri Lanka and IPL Over The Years 

Stats for Sri Lanka

Stats In IPL

Key Observations

• Pathirana rose to fame after IPL 2023, where he claimed 19 wickets in just 12 innings, resulting in a national call-up for Sri Lanka
• Pathirana has enjoyed more success with Chennai Super Kings compared to his numbers for his national team. 
• A genuine wicket-taker as seen in Calendar year 2023 and 2024.
• Wayward line and length always the issue as the 22-year-old has bowled 214 wides since 2022.
• Economy an issue as Pathirana tends to leak runs, but also take wickets, a rare combo for a bowler. 
• Has seen a dip in form in 2025 as Pathirana has only taken 13 wickets in IPL 2025, whereas his economy too shot up from 7.68 to 10.13. Strike-rate has also increased massively from 10.1 to 19.3.

Is Pathirana Really A Fluke?

If we look at Pathirana, then he is a genuine wicket-taker, who goes away for runs. For Sri Lanka and Chennai Super Kings, it seems that they have made peace with the fact that the right-arm seamer will go for a lot of runs, but will also fetch them wickets at crucial juncture.

Every bowler has a specific role and Pathirana knows his, which is to take wickets, despite clocking a higher economy in his four over quota. Looking at his stats, the 22-year-old has ranged from 7.68 to 10.13 in his economy, but has taken the wickets.

However, in this process, it is quite natural to go a few games wicketless and when such situations occur, the runs conceded is one fact that gets highlighted the most, which is misunderstood to be a fluke.

Having said that, Pathirana has indeed suffered a slight slump, but Sri Lanka shouldn't be too concerned as the right-arm seamer is expected to bounce back sharply soon. 

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