With a distinctive slingy action reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana burst into the spotlight as a raw pace talent, making his international debut for Sri Lanka in August 2022 during the Asia Cup against Afghanistan. However, it was a debut to forget, as he bowled just one over for 16 runs in a heavy defeat.

His ODI debut came ten months later — once again against Afghanistan — and it followed a similar pattern. Pathirana managed to take just one wicket, and Sri Lanka succumbed to another loss. While his early outings in international cricket haven't yielded memorable performances, Pathirana’s promise is undeniable.

The young quick turned heads in the 2023 IPL, playing a key role in Chennai Super Kings' title-winning campaign. With 10 wickets to his name, he delivered impactful spells at crucial moments, particularly in the death overs, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and bowl with precision at the back end.

Still finding his feet in the ODI format, Pathirana’s success in T20 cricket suggests he has the tools to become a mainstay in Sri Lanka’s pace attack. With time and experience, the hope is that he will translate his franchise form into consistent performances on the international stage.