LPL 2024: Matheesha Pathirana reveals his secret of success

Matheesha Pathirana has been a great influence on the Lanka Premier League 2024. Muhammad Waseem with the bat and Pathirana with the ball were the Strikers' best players as they defeated the Galle Marvels in their seventh game of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024 to go to the playoffs. 

In the final group match of the season, the Dambulla Sixers defeated the Strikers, but by then, the Colombo side were already in the final. 

Pathirana, 21, while discussing the difference between leagues like the IPL and LPL, said, “Lanka Premier is still a new tournament. We have played almost two or three seasons. Thus, it’s too soon to analyse.” 

A death-overs specialist, the Strikers' pacer also divulged details about his approach while bowling in the last phase of the innings, where he has struck ten times out of his 12 wickets, conceding runs at just 6.5 an over. 

“When I am coming to bowl in the death overs I try to bowl without boundaries. After that if I get the pressure from the opponents, I try to bowl yorkers and get some wickets,” he said. 

So, what works for Pathirana? 

“I try to keep boundaries small and save runs for my team. I put a lot of effort into keeping a disciplined mindset, trying to limit the opposition's scoring chances while ensuring our team stays well-positioned,” said the bowler with a slinging action. 

Pathirana is the second highest-wicket taker in the league, behind Pakistan’s Shadab Khan, who is also in his team at the Strikers and has taken 16 wickets in eight games. It is the result of their effort that the Strikers finished in the top three of the league and will play the Kandy Falcons in the Eliminator. 

The winner will then face the loser of Qualifier 1 between Galle Marvels and Jaffna Kings to make it to the final of LPL 2024. 

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