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Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of Pakistan clash as Sri Lanka suffer major setback in Asia Cup

Debashis Sarangi

Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of PAK vs SL [Source: @OfficialSLC/X]Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of PAK vs SL [Source: @OfficialSLC/X]

In a major setback for Sri Lanka, ace fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 encounter against Pakistan. The development was confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) through a post on its official social media handle X (formerly Twitter). 

Why has Pathirana been sidelined from Asia Cup match vs Pakistan?

According to SLC, Matheesha Pathirana is unwell and won't be available for selection against Pakistan. The cricket board revealed that the experienced fast bowler also didn't participate in practice sessions, with the Sri Lankan medical team monitoring his recovery. 

"Matheesha Pathirana is unwell and will not be available for selection for today’s game against Pakistan. He did not take part in team practice sessions during the last two days and is currently under medical treatment," the SLC post read. 

What could be Sri Lanka's bowling combination in Pathirana's absence?

Hailed for his excellent death-bowling skills, Matheesha Pathirana, unfortunately, hasn't been a regular face in the Lankan lineup in the Asia Cup so far. The fast bowler earlier got a game against Bangladesh in the group-stage, going wicketless for 42 runs in his four-over spell. 

In his absence, Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera are expected to continue as Sri Lanka's frontline seamers against Pakistan. Both Thushara and Chameera have done well with the ball in the tournament so far, scalping six and five wickets, respectively. 

Despite being a talented seamer, Pathirana's career has been marred by frequent injury setbacks. The fast bowler hasn't been quite at his best in the shortest format of late, managing only four wickets across five games since the IPL 2025.