T20 World Cup 2026: Matheesha Pathirana leaves field with calf injury against Australia

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana left the field just four balls into his first over after collapsing and clutching his left calf. He did not return during Sri Lanka's bowling innings against Australia.

Pathirana received immediate treatment from the Sri Lankan physiotherapist and was assisted off the field by support staff. He then spent most of the innings receiving treatment in the dressing room.

"Matheesha Pathirana experienced discomfort in his left leg calf while bowling during the match and was unable to continue. He will not bowl further in this game. A scan will be conducted tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury,” a statement read as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

The right-arm pacer had started well against Australia, bowling two dot balls and conceding just three runs (including a wide) in his first four deliveries. The final two balls of the over were bowled by Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka, who gave away a four and a dot. Pathirana, the fastest bowler in Sri Lanka’s attack, is a key component of their death-bowling strategy in the tournament. He also becomes the second Sri Lankan bowler to face an injury setback, following Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the World Cup with a hamstring injury.

Sri Lanka secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Australia in Match No. 30 of Group B on February 16 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium during the T20 World Cup 2026. Australia posted 181 all out in their 20 overs, with Mitchell Marsh scoring 54 and Travis Head contributing 56. Dushan Hemantha was the standout for Sri Lanka, claiming 3/37.

In response, Sri Lanka chased the target comfortably in 18 overs, finishing at 184/2. Pathum Nissanka starred with an unbeaten 100, while Kusal Mendis added 51. Marcus Stoinis was Australia’s top performer with the ball, finishing with 2/46. With this win, Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super Eights stage of the tournament.