Sri Lanka’s young pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana, who is famous for his deadly yorkers, has been dominating the headlines for his impressive delivery in the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2024 (LPL 2024).
Currently, he plays for the Colombo Strikers. With a thrilling display of his fast bowling genius, Pathirana guided the Colombo Strikers to a thumping seven-wicket win over the Galle Marvels in the 19th match of the ongoing LPL 2024 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Monday, July 15.
Matheesha Pathirana’s yorker masterclass seals thrilling win for Colombo Strikers in LPL 2024
The 21-year-old speedster finished with incredible figures of 4/20 in 3.5 overs to help the Colombo Strikers restrict the Galle Marvels to a sub-par 138 runs on the board. Colombo later chased down the target with ease, with 10 balls to spare, to win the LPL 2024 game by seven wickets.
Pathirana was later adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’ for his stellar performance against the Galle Marvels in the ongoing LPL 2024. Well, the young pacer’s bowling attack saw him wreak havoc on the Galle Marvels batting line-up, removing Sahan Arachchige (12), Janith Liyanage (13), Maheesh Theekshana (0) and Jeffrey Vandersay (0) in the LPL 2024 game.
His lethal spell included a decisive final over, where he dismantled the Galle Marvels tail with precision yorkers that ripped off the stumps of Theekshana and Vandersay on consecutive deliveries. Pathirana bowled a slower bouncer on leg, and Arachchige attempted to pull but was caught by Muhammad Wasim at fine leg.
Matheesha Pathirana shines with deadly yorkers in LPL 2024 thriller
Pathirana then flicked the ball out wide, tempting Liyanage, who chased it but only succeeded in sending it flying into the air. The fielder, Angelo Parera, at extra cover, backed up and caught the ball safely. One delivery after Liyanage’s wicket, Pathirana’s blistering pace and accuracy were on display.
Well, Pathirana bowled a perfect yorker aimed at middle and leg, which crashed into Theekshana’s leg stump. The delivery was full and unplayable, and caught Theekshana off guard as he tried to get it out, but his attempt was too late and the stump was uprooted.
The next ball saw the Sri Lankan bowl another toe-smashing yorker, coming close to middle and leg stump. Vandersay was too late to bat as Pathirana’s yorker went through his defence and smashed his middle and leg stump. These two balls were unmissable.
The first time was so nice that Pathirana had to do it twice! 😮
Look #LPLonFanCode for such hot cricket action 🔥 image.twitter.com/YFCguNQwXc
— Fan Code (@FanCode) July 16, 2024
Pathirana’s exploits not only secured a thumping win for his side but were also a reminder of his budding talent and the impact he can have in this format. As Sri Lanka is set to host India in a white-ball series later this month, all eyes will be on Pathirana to continue his impressive form.
After winning the Man of the Match award, Pathirana said: “I didn’t think about the last few matches because I didn’t do well. Thanks to my team for believing in me.”