Sri Lanka have brought in pacer Dilshan Madushanka as a replacement for injured Matheesha Pathirana in their T20 World Cup 2026 squad. The ICC’s Event Technical Committee approved the change on Wednesday after Pathirana was ruled out with a muscle strain suffered during Sri Lanka’s Group B clash against Australia in Pallekele.
Pathirana managed to bowl only three deliveries before pulling up clutching his left leg and was unable to complete his over. He did not return to the field. Sri Lanka’s batting consultant Vikram Rathour later confirmed the setback, saying, “I think he's been declared unfit for the rest of the tournament. I think that news will be coming out, if it's ruling him out.”
The injury comes as a blow for Sri Lanka, with Pathirana widely regarded as their premier death bowler and one of the fastest in the attack. Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe have already qualified for the Super Eight stage, making Madushanka’s inclusion timely ahead of the final group fixture.
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Who is Dilshan Madushanka?
Dilshan Madushanka, 25, has played 15 T20 Internationals, claiming 15 wickets at an average of 31.86 and an economy rate of 9.75. He last featured in a T20I in July 2024 against India in Pallekele, where he conceded 45 runs in three overs during an injury-hit season.
Madushanka’s recent years have been disrupted by injuries, including a leg problem in early 2025 and a knee issue later on. Despite missing several tours, he remains a proven performer, having taken 21 wickets at the 2023 ODI World Cup in India as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.
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Sri Lanka will now look to Madushanka to step up as they head into the Super Eight stage, where they face England, New Zealand and Pakistan.
