Matheesha Pathirana is often dubbed “Baby Malinga”—a nickname that hints at more than just resemblance. Born on December 18, 2002, in Kandy, Pathirana rose to fame with his unique slingy action, reminiscent of Lasith Malinga, his childhood idol. That action, once seen as unconventional, became his secret weapon in the world of fast-paced T20 cricket. His first big break came at the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2020, where he made headlines for clocking over 90 mph. Scouts from around the globe took notice, and it wasn’t long before the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) brought him into the IPL fold. Under the mentorship of MS Dhoni, Pathirana flourished. He became a go-to death bowler in the 2023 season, delivering lethal yorkers with composure far beyond his years. Pathirana made his Sri Lanka debut in 2022, and though still raw, he impressed with his pace, toe-crushing yorkers, and confidence in tight finishes. In a country known for its spinners, his presence offered a much-needed boost to the pace department. His performances in T20s and ODIs showed maturity, and he quickly became a fan favorite. What sets Pathirana apart is his calmness. Despite his high-energy bowling, he rarely shows nerves—just like his idol Malinga. And like Malinga, he’s committed to developing his craft and giving back to the game. Off the field, Pathirana is grounded and focused. He frequently credits his coaches and family for supporting his rise. He’s also deeply inspired by Dhoni’s leadership and credits CSK for refining his mental game. Matheesha Pathirana may have started as a Malinga lookalike, but he’s now carving a name for himself. With his raw pace, fearlessness, and heart, he symbolizes the future of Sri Lanka’s fast bowling attack.