Full Name: Matheesha Pathirana
Nickname: Baby Malinga
Date of Birth: December 18, 2002
Age (as of 2025): 22 Years
Place of Birth: Kandy, Sri Lanka
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Religion: Buddhism
Profession: Professional Cricketer (Bowler)
Batting Style: Right-Handed Bat
Bowling Style: Right-Arm Fast (Sling Action)
Role in Team: Fast Bowler
Teams Played For: Sri Lanka National Team, Chennai Super Kings (IPL), Nondescripts Cricket Club
Net Worth (Approx): ₹8-10 Crore (as of 2025)
Early Life and Background
Matheesha Pathirana was born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Sri Lanka, into a supportive middle-class family. From a very young age, he was fascinated by the art of fast bowling. Watching the legendary Lasith Malinga, who revolutionized sling-style bowling, inspired young Matheesha to develop a similar action.
He attended Trinity College, Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most reputed schools for sports, where his coaches quickly noticed his unique bowling style and raw pace. Even though many doubted his unconventional action at first, his accuracy and ability to generate late swing silenced critics.
By his teenage years, Pathirana was already making headlines in school cricket tournaments for his wicket-taking abilities. His determination, coupled with his dedication to fitness and training, helped him rise through the ranks of Sri Lankan youth cricket.
Domestic and Youth Career
Matheesha Pathirana’s journey to professional cricket began with Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team, where he represented his country in several youth international tournaments. He played in the 2020 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, where his pace and unique release point grabbed global attention.
He soon started representing Nondescripts Cricket Club in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit, where he consistently impressed selectors with his ability to bowl yorkers, bouncers, and deceptive slower balls. His sling-arm action and sharp pace reminded many fans of Lasith Malinga — earning him the nickname “Baby Malinga.”
International Career
Matheesha Pathirana made his T20 International debut for Sri Lanka on August 27, 2022, against Afghanistan. His debut was highly anticipated due to his IPL performances and his ability to replicate Malinga’s magic with the ball.
He made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka on June 2, 2023, against Afghanistan and impressed immediately with his control, accuracy, and deadly yorkers in the death overs.
Pathirana quickly became one of Sri Lanka’s go-to bowlers in limited-overs formats. His performances in the 2023 Asia Cup and World Cup qualifiers established him as one of the best emerging fast bowlers in world cricket. His calmness under pressure and knack for dismissing big players made him a valuable asset to the national team.
IPL Career – The Chennai Super Kings Star
Pathirana’s life changed when Chennai Super Kings (CSK) picked him up in the IPL 2022 season as a replacement player. Under the mentorship of MS Dhoni and coach Stephen Fleming, Pathirana refined his skills and became CSK’s specialist death bowler.
He became famous for his pinpoint yorkers, off-cutter variations, and fearless attitude in crunch situations. In the IPL 2023 and 2024 seasons, Pathirana was one of CSK’s key bowlers, often delivering match-winning performances. His exceptional economy rate in the death overs and ability to bowl under pressure made him a fan favorite.
He was affectionately nicknamed “Baby Malinga” by commentators and fans due to his resemblance to Lasith Malinga — both in action and impact.
Playing Style and Strengths
Matheesha Pathirana is known for his unique sling-arm action, which makes it difficult for batters to pick his deliveries. His strengths include:
- Deadly yorkers that rival the best in world cricket.
- Sharp pace and bounce, even on slow tracks.
- Tactical thinking and maturity in high-pressure moments.
- Effective slower deliveries that deceive batsmen in T20s.
He’s particularly lethal in the final overs of an innings, making him one of the best “death bowlers” in modern cricket.
Personal Life
Despite achieving fame at a young age, Matheesha Pathirana remains grounded and humble. He credits his success to his family, coaches, and mentors who have guided him throughout his journey.
Pathirana is deeply spiritual and often shares motivational quotes on social media, emphasizing hard work and gratitude. He is known for his calm demeanor and disciplined lifestyle — rarely seen in controversies or off-field distractions.
Outside cricket, he enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending time with his family in Kandy. His humility and dedication have made him a role model for aspiring Sri Lankan cricketers.
Achievements and Records
- Youngest Sri Lankan to play in the IPL at age 19.
- Represented Sri Lanka in both ODI and T20 formats.
- Key bowler for Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2023 winning campaign.
- Recorded some of the best death-over figures in IPL 2023 and 2024.
- Member of Sri Lanka’s squad for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup.
- Consistently ranked among the top emerging fast bowlers by ICC analysts.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2025, Matheesha Pathirana’s estimated net worth is around ₹8-10 Crore. His income sources include:
- IPL Contract (Chennai Super Kings) – ₹20–50 Lakh per season.
- Sri Lanka Cricket central contract and match fees.
- Brand endorsements and sponsorships with Sri Lankan sportswear and fitness brands.
Despite his earnings, Pathirana leads a modest lifestyle focused on training and self-improvement.
Future Prospects
At just 22 years of age, Matheesha Pathirana has already proven himself as one of the brightest fast-bowling talents in world cricket. His journey from a small town in Sri Lanka to dominating IPL batsmen is a testament to his hard work and self-belief.
Cricket experts predict that if he continues to stay fit and consistent, he could become one of Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowlers, following in the footsteps of his idol Lasith Malinga.
Conclusion
Matheesha Pathirana’s story is not just about raw pace and unorthodox style — it’s about resilience, learning, and evolution. From Kandy’s school fields to the IPL’s global stage, he embodies the spirit of modern cricket: fearless, fast, and focused.
With his skill, composure, and constant drive to improve, Pathirana is set to become the face of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack in the years ahead — and a global star in world cricket.
