Matheesha Pathirana, popularly known as Baby Malinga because of his slingy bowling action of Sri Lankan great Lasith Malinga, has quickly made his mark on the international cricketing scene. Born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on December 18, 2002, and with an unusual bowling style and raw pace that has separated him from his team players domestically and internationally, Pathirana has rapidly progressed from the Under-19 World Cup to being a key part of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Download the Indibet apk for informative articles like India vs Bangladesh match history, the most 50s in the IPL, best bowler in IPL history.
The 175 km/h Delivery: Myth or Reality?
Pathirana amazed the fans during the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup when a ball recorded to India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal flew at a staggering 175 km/h (108 mph). If true, this delivery would have been the fastest in cricket history. However, it was later changed, with the ICC explaining that the pace gun had a technical issue and Pathirana’s delivery speed was much less. Regardless of the amendment, it thrust Pathirana into the public eye, revealing his future possibilities as a pace sensation.
IPL 2024: Consistent High-Speed Performances
Pathirana was always praised for his pace-bowling performance in IPL 2024. In Pathirana’s maiden season for CSK, he delivered the fastest ball of the tournament at 150.9 km/h against the Gujarat Titans. Pathirana made an impact with his ability to bowl continuously at an upper 140’s km/h pace, which made him a lethal weapon at the new ball or at the death. Usually, he was able to hold sway on the game with his yorkers and slower deliveries, and quite often he swung it in CSK’s favour.
Pathirana vs Other Fast Bowlers
Even though Pathirana’s speeds are great, it is helpful to compare him with other premier fast bowlers from that same year:
1. Mayank Yadav: Delivered the fastest ball in IPL 2024 at 156.7 km/h.
2. Nandre Burger: Delivered a ball at 153 km/h. South Africa is still producing pace!
3. Gerald Coetzee: Delivered a ball at 152.3 km/h. Yet another fast bowler added to the growing list of fast bowlers!
He may not be the fastest, but his unusual action, ability to stay fit, experience, and consistency have value to any bowling attack.
Impact on Matches: More Than Just Speed
Pathirana does not just contribute speed. In the 2023 IPL final, Pathirana took 2 wickets for 44 runs and helped guide CSK to their fifth title. His reputation for being able to deliver in crunch situations, especially during the death overs, has made him the preferred choice for captains seeking breakthroughs when they need them most.
Conclusion: A Promising Future Ahead
Matheesha Pathirana’s progress from a young bowler to a player in the upper level of top-tier cricket shows the enormity of talent and effort he has achieved. The 175 km/h delivery may have been an aberration in the delivery system, however, it represents the thrill and potential he brings to the game. As Pathirana continues to develop, fans and insiders alike will be anxious to see what heights he reaches in cricket. Visit the indibet casino and Indibet official website to enjoy the games there, also watch the live matches. It’s why he became CSK’s go-to bowler at the death of close matches when teams need to force a wicket or a near ‘A’ marginal run restriction in the final overs.