Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign has been rocked by yet another major setback, as injuries continue to disrupt their plans at the worst possible time. Just as the team began building momentum with strong performances in Group B, the loss of a key fast-bowling weapon has raised fresh concerns about their depth and balance.
Matheesha Pathirana, widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting pace prospects, has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. His unique slingy action, death-over expertise, and ability to deliver under pressure made him a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy.
With the tournament entering its most decisive stages, Sri Lanka have been forced into another squad change. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has now been officially approved as Pathirana’s replacement, giving the team a fresh option but also presenting new challenges in adapting quickly.
Matheesha Pathirana Ruled Out Of T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka have suffered another injury blow to their ongoing T20 World Cup campaign, with seamer Matheesha Pathirana ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. The ICC confirmed that Pathirana has sustained a muscle strain in his left leg, forcing him to exit the competition with immediate effect.
This development comes at a critical point in Sri Lanka’s campaign, as the team is preparing for key fixtures in both the group stage and the Super Eights. Losing a strike bowler like Pathirana reduces their pace variety significantly.
The injury has once again highlighted how physically demanding the World Cup schedule can be, especially for fast bowlers operating at high intensity.
Injury Occurred Against Australia In Pallekele
Pathirana’s injury occurred during Sri Lanka’s Group B match against Australia in Pallekele on Monday, February 16. The incident unfolded dramatically just four deliveries into his very first over.
The young seamer suddenly went down clutching his left leg and appeared to be in visible discomfort. He limped off the field immediately and did not return to bowl again for the rest of the match.
Despite the setback, Sri Lanka managed to produce an outstanding performance, defeating Australia by eight wickets, but the victory was overshadowed by concerns over Pathirana’s condition.
Second Major Injury Blow After Wanindu Hasaranga
This is not the first time Sri Lanka have been hit by injury during this tournament. Earlier, wrist-spin all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga was ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury in the tournament opener against Ireland.
Hasaranga’s absence already weakened Sri Lanka’s spin department and all-round balance. Now, with Pathirana also sidelined, the team faces the challenge of rebuilding its bowling attack mid-tournament.
Two major injury losses in quick succession have placed enormous pressure on the remaining squad members.
Dilshan Madushanka Approved As Replacement
Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been approved by the ICC's Event Technical Committee as Pathirana’s replacement. His inclusion provides Sri Lanka with a different bowling angle and the ability to swing the ball early.
Madushanka’s return is significant because left-arm seamers offer variety that can disrupt opposition batting line-ups, especially in powerplay overs.
However, his fitness and recent match practice will be closely watched as he steps into a high-pressure World Cup environment.
Madushanka’s Recent Form And Injury Struggles
Dilshan Madushanka last played international cricket during Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe in August 2025, where he featured in two matches of the one-day series.
Since then, he has also battled injury concerns, limiting his consistent appearances. Although he participated in a warm-up match for Sri Lanka A against Oman earlier this month, he went wicketless in three overs.
His comeback therefore comes with both hope and uncertainty, as Sri Lanka will need him to hit rhythm quickly.
Madushanka’s T20I Record So Far
Madushanka has played 15 T20 internationals, taking 15 wickets at an economy rate of 9.75. These numbers indicate his ability to strike but also suggest that he can be expensive in the shortest format.
In a World Cup setting, controlling runs is just as important as taking wickets, meaning Madushanka will have to adapt his lengths and execution.
Sri Lanka’s coaching staff will likely use him strategically, possibly in the powerplay and as a supporting bowler rather than a pure death specialist.
Remembering His ODI World Cup Heroics
Madushanka’s most notable exploits came during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he finished as Sri Lanka’s highest wicket-taker with 21 scalps.
His performances in that tournament showcased his ability to swing the ball, break partnerships, and deliver breakthroughs even against top batting line-ups.
That success remains a reminder of his potential impact when fully fit and confident.
How Pathirana’s Absence Impacts Sri Lanka’s Bowling Plan
Pathirana was considered Sri Lanka’s go-to bowler in the death overs due to his yorkers, pace variations, and unorthodox release. His absence creates a major tactical gap.
Other bowlers will now have to share the responsibility of closing innings, especially against stronger opponents in the Super Eights stage.
Madushanka’s inclusion adds variety, but replacing Pathirana’s specific skill set will not be easy.
Sri Lanka’s Upcoming Fixtures In The Tournament
Sri Lanka’s next match is against Zimbabwe in Colombo, which will be their final Group B fixture. The outcome of that match will determine their momentum heading into the knockout-style phase.
Following the group stage, Sri Lanka are set to begin their Super Eights campaign against England in Pallekele on Sunday, February 22.
These matches will test the squad’s adaptability, especially with key players missing.
Pressure On Sri Lanka’s Bench Strength
The injury setbacks have placed the spotlight firmly on Sri Lanka’s squad depth. World Cup campaigns often depend on having strong replacements ready to step in without weakening the team structure.
Madushanka’s performance could prove decisive, as Sri Lanka need immediate contributions rather than long-term rebuilding.
The coming matches will reveal whether Sri Lanka can overcome adversity or if injuries will derail their ambitions.
Conclusion
Matheesha Pathirana being ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 is a major blow for Sri Lanka, especially after already losing Wanindu Hasaranga earlier in the tournament.
Dilshan Madushanka’s arrival offers hope, experience, and a left-arm option, but questions remain about fitness and match sharpness.
As Sri Lanka prepare for crucial matches against Zimbabwe and England, their ability to adapt without key bowlers will shape the rest of their World Cup journey.
Also Read: Matheesha Pathirana is out of the T20 World Cup 2026
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