Dilshan Madushanka replaces injured Pathirana at T20 World Cup

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the T20 World Cup, after scans revealed a calf strain that may take several weeks to heal. His IPL availability is understood to not be under threat at this stage.

Dilshan Madushanka, 25, was named as his replacement on Wednesday, the eve of Sri Lanka's final group game against Zimbabwe. Both teams have already qualified for the Super Eight stage of the tournament.

Pathirana had gone down clutching his left leg after bowling his fourth delivery in Sri Lanka's match against Australia in Pallekele, before being helped off the field. He did not return to bowl in that innings.

Vikram Rathour, Sri Lanka's batting consultant, confirmed the severity of Pathirana's injury on Wednesday, ahead of their final group match against Zimbabwe. "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 is arguably Sri Lanka's best death bowler. He is also the fastest of the island's quicks. His replacement Madushanka has taken 15 wickets in T20Is at an average of 31.86. His economy rate in T20Is is 9.75. The last of his 15 T20Is was in July 2024.

Sri Lanka play England in Pallekele, New Zealand at Khettarama, and Pakistan in Pallekele again, during the Super Eight stage of the 2026 T20 World Cup