Pathirana limps off with calf injury

Sri Lanka suffered a major injury scare as pace spearhead Matheesha Pathirana limped off with a left calf injury just four balls into his spell during their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Australia in Pallekele.

The 23-year-old pulled up sharply in his follow-through while delivering the fourth ball of his opening over and immediately went to ground clutching his left leg. After on-field treatment, he was assisted off, with captain Dasun Shanaka completing the over.

"Matheesha Pathirana experienced discomfort in his left leg calf while bowling during the match and was unable to continue. He will not bowl further in this game. A scan will be conducted tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury," a team statement read.

Pathirana's fitness will also be closely monitored beyond the World Cup. His new IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, secured him for INR 18 crore for the season set to begin in 40 days.