Picture Credit: Twitter/IPL
Matheesha Pathirana finally made his debut for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. While the Men in Yellow are no longer in the race to the Playoffs, captain MS Dhoni made four changes to the team perhaps in a bid to look at his options going forward. One of those was handing Pathirana his debut and while the Chennai batters disappointed on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium, Pathirana instantly made an impact.
The right-arm pacer from Sri Lanka with the number 99 on the back of his shirt and with a slingy action all were reminiscent of the legendary pacer Lasith Malinga who is currently with the Rajasthan Royals coaching setup. Pathirana's first ball was too good for the batter Shubman Gill who was given out Leg Before Wicket. While Gill chose to review the decision, the replays showed three reds meaning the opener had to take the walk back to the pavilion for 18.
Here is the video:
Talking about the match, Chennai could only muster 133/5 in their 20 overs despite Ruturaj Gaikwad's half-century. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat, conceding 19 runs and picking up 2 wickets. In response, Gujarat got off to a great start with Gill and Saha stitching a 59-run opening stand off 43 balls before Pathirana broke the partnership.