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Madushanka Replaces Injured Pathirana in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup Squad

The ICC has approved fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for the injured Matheesha Pathirana in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad. Pathirana was ruled out with a muscle strain sustained during the match against Australia on February 16. Madushanka, a 25-year-old left-arm pacer, has significant limited-overs experience for Sri Lanka. The team, currently atop Group B, faces Zimbabwe in a match to decide the group leader.

Key Points: Sri Lanka T20 WC: Madushanka in for injured Pathirana

  • ICC approves squad change
  • Pathirana injured against Australia
  • Madushanka brings ODI experience
  • Sri Lanka top Group B
  • Crucial match vs Zimbabwe
2 min read

Madushanka approved as replacement for Pathirana in SL's T20 WC squad

ICC approves Dilshan Madushanka as replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup squad after pacer's injury against Australia.

"The absence of this young, slingy pacer is a major blow to Sri Lanka as they head into the Super Eight stage."

Dubai, February 18

Pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been approved as a replacement for an injured Matheesha Pathirana for the remainder of the ICC T20 World Cup for Sri Lanka, announced the International Cricket Council on Wednesday.

A press release from the ICC said, "The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has approved Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for Matheesha Pathirana in the Sri Lanka squad. Madushanka was named as a replacement when Pathirana was ruled out after sustaining a muscle strain in his left leg during the team's previous match against Australia on February 16."

The absence of this young, slingy pacer is a major blow to Sri Lanka as they head into the Super Eight stage. During the match against Australia, he had to leave the field of play after just four balls into his spell.

Madushanka, a 25-year-old left-armer, has played 15 T20Is for Pakistan, taking 15 wickets at an average of 31.86 and an economy rate of 9.75, with best figures of 3/24. In 28 ODIs for the Lankan Lions, he has taken 50 wickets at an average of 25.02, with two four-fers and a five-wicket haul to his name. He has also played one Test for his side, but is yet to pick a wicket in the format.

Sri Lanka, at the top of their group, will take on Zimbabwe on Thursday to decide the table-topper for Group B.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting stats for Madushanka. His ODI record looks decent, but that T20 economy rate of 9.75 is on the higher side for a World Cup. Pressure will be on from ball one. Hope he handles it.
A
Ananya R
As an Indian fan, I always feel for teams losing key players. Injuries are the worst part of sport. Wishing Pathirana a speedy recovery. The tournament needs all its stars!
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Vikram M
Left-arm angle could be a surprise weapon. But yaar, replacing someone like Pathirana in the middle of a tournament is next to impossible. Sri Lanka's bowling depth will be truly tested now.
K
Karthik V
The article says he has played 15 T20Is for Pakistan? That seems like a typo. He plays for Sri Lanka. Editors should be more careful with such basic facts, especially in an ICC release.
M
Meera T
Feel so bad for Pathirana. He was just getting into rhythm. These muscle strains can be tricky. Hope the team management doesn't rush him back for the sake of the tournament.

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