Asia Cup 2025: Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss the upcoming fixture against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Super-4. He missed the team practice sessions over the last two days and is currently under medical treatment.
Sri Lanka started their Super-4 campaign against Bangladesh, but despite defeating them in the group-stage game, the Bengal Tigers handed the former champions a heavy defeat on Saturday.
Sri Lanka are the defending champions, having won the Asia Cup back in 2022, the last time the tournament was played in T20I format.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Medical Update
The upcoming match against Pakistan is crucial for both sides. Sri Lanka must win to stay alive in the Asia Cup, while the losing team will face a tough path to keep their final hopes alive.
Amid this pressure, Sri Lanka faces another setback as Matheesha Pathirana has been reported unwell and will not be available for selection against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi.
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The pacer is not reported to be injured but is undergoing treatment for another form of illness. He also missed the previous game against Bangladesh, with Dushmantha Chameera stepping in for him in the XI.
Who Will Lead the Pace Attack in Matheesha Pathirana’s absence?
With Matheesha Pathirana unavailable, Nuwan Thushara is expected to take the lead as the frontline pacer. Dusmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana are likely options to replace Pathirana in the playing XI.
Thushara has been Sri Lanka’s new ball specialist and is currently the team’s highest wicket-taker in the Asia Cup 2025. Chameera brings experience and performed well against Bangladesh. Given Pakistan’s vulnerability against spin, Sri Lanka may also consider adding another spinner to the side.
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Frontline spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage will be key, while Kamindu Mendis can provide additional support. If Maheesh Theekshana is included, Sri Lanka will have another spinner capable of taking the new ball.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: A Do-or-Die Clash
This game is almost a knockout for both teams. Pakistan will see it as a critical fixture in the Super-4 stage, needing a win to keep their Asia Cup 2025 campaign alive. They will later face India in the final, depending on their result against Sri Lanka and the Bengal Tigers.
If Pakistan loses today, their chances of qualifying for the Asia Cup 2025 final will be extremely limited.
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