Bad news for Sri Lanka! Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of T20 World Cup 2026; THIS pacer named as replacement

Matheesha Pathirana got injured in Sri Lanka’s last game against Australia in ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

A calf strain sustained against Australia has forced Matheesha Pathirana to miss the T20 World Cup 2026, handing a huge blow to Sri Lanka ahead of the Super 8 stage. Speaking to reporters prior to Sri Lanka’s final group match against Zimbabwe on February 19, batting coach Vikram Rathour confirmed the Pathirana development.

“I believe he has been declared unfit for the remainder of the tournament. If it hasn’t been officially announced yet, I expect that update to be released soon,” Rathour said in the pre-match press conference confirming the Matheesha Pathirana news.

Pathirana hobbled off against Australia after four balls because of what looked to be a calf strain. He immediately went down clutching his left leg in his opening at Pallekele, putting his return in jeopardy.

Dilshan Madushanka named as Matheesha Pathirana for T20 World Cup 2026

Dilshan Madushanka has been named as the replacement for Matheesha Pathirana. Madushanka last participated in two one-day series games during the August 2025 tour of Zimbabwe.

Dilshan Madushanka, although, played in a warm-up match against Oman earlier this month. The big problem is Madushanka himself has not been fully fit. He just bowled three overs in the warmup match going wicketless. In his 15 T20I matches, the left-arm pacer has picked up 15 wickets at an economy rate of 9.75.

His most noteworthy international performances occurred during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he claimed 21 wickets at an average of 25 to finish as Sri Lanka’s top wicket-taker. It remains to be seen if Madushanka gets a chance in Sri Lanka’s last group match against Zimbabwe.

Mathisha Pathirana’s injury is a second major blow for Sri Lanka after the leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out with a hamstring injury in Sri Lanka’s opening match against Ireland. With Sri Lanka going into the next phase of the tournament, they will certainly hope for no further injury concerns.

Sri Lanka face Zimbabwe on February 19 as they look to close their group stage campaign on a positive note. Following this, Sri Lanka will start their Super 8 stage with a clash against England on February 22.

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