Sri Lanka Adds IPL Sensation Pathirana to Squad for Afghan Series. In a recent development, Sri Lanka has named Matheesha Pathirana, the Indian Premier League champion, in their 16-member ODI squad for the upcoming three-match home series against Afghanistan.

If he makes it into the final playing XI, it will mark the 20-year-old Pathirana’s debut in one-day internationals for Sri Lanka. Known by the moniker “Baby Malinga” due to his slingshot bowling action reminiscent of Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga, Pathirana has previously represented his country in two T20 matches.

The series, set to take place on June 2, 4, and 7, will be hosted in Hambantota, located in the southern region of the island. Notably, this venue has not hosted any international matches since February 2020.

Pathirana played a significant role in the Chennai Super Kings’ triumph in the IPL finals, which took place in Ahmedabad on Monday, securing their fifth title win. Displaying his prowess with a devastating yorker, he claimed figures of 2 for 44 in the final and recorded an impressive tally of 19 wickets throughout the tournament. His exceptional performances earned praise from Chennai’s captain, MS Dhoni, who described him as “special.”

The Sri Lanka squad for the series includes:

Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana