Matheesha Pathirana, a young and talented Sri Lankan cricketer, has been making waves in the cricketing world with his exceptional bowling skills.
Often referred to as ‘Baby Malinga,’ Pathirana has modeled his bowling action after the legendary Sri Lankan bowler Lasith Malinga.
His impressive performances in domestic and international cricket have earned him a place in the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
He is named in the 15-man Sri Lanka squad for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India.
This article delves into Matheesha Pathirana’s life and career, including his net worth, salary, earnings, stats, girlfriend, and more.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Biography
| Full name | Matheesha Pathirana |
| Nickname | Baby Malinga |
| Birth date | December 18, 2002 |
| Height | 181 cm (5 Feet 11 Inches) |
| Weight | 72 kg (159 lbs) |
| Birthplace | Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Current net worth | 2.23 Million Dollars |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Girlfriend | – |
| Instagram Profile | @matheesha.pathirana_99 |
Matheesha Pathirana was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on December 18, 2002. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in cricket, eventually leading him to pursue a career in the sport.
His unique bowling style, modeled after Lasith Malinga, earned him the nickname ‘Baby Malinga’.
Domestic Career
Pathirana’s domestic career began with his selection in the SLC Grey’s team for the 2021 SLC Invitational T20 league.
He debuted in the T20 match for the SLC Greys in the same league on August 22, 2021.
His impressive performance in the league helped him earn a spot in the Sri Lanka under-19 team for the 2022 Cricket World Cup in West Indies.
International Career
Pathirana made his ODI debut on June 2, 2023, against Afghanistan. He dismissed Rahmat Shah to claim his maiden ODI wicket.
He has played 12 matches in his ODI career and has taken 17 wickets, averaging 36.24. His T20I debut was on August 27, 2022, against Afghanistan.
Lankan Premier League Career
In the Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023, Pathirana has been one of the most promising talents.
Playing for the Colombo Strikers, he currently holds the joint-highest wicket-taker position in the tournament with 12 wickets.
His exceptional performance in the LPL has shaped his career in T20 cricket.
Matheesha Pathirana’s Net Worth Details
Matheesha Pathirana’s net worth is estimated to be $2.23 million as of 2025.
The right-arm fast bowler’s prime source of earnings is his Sri Lanka Cricket salary, franchise league fees, and sponsorship deals.
Salary and Career Earnings
In the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Pathirana played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team.
CSK bought him in the IPL 2022 auctions for a franchise fee of INR 20 lakhs, and he was retained for the 2023 season at the same price, which translates to approximately $24,000.
Despite his relatively low salary, Pathirana performed exceptionally well in the IPL 2023, taking 19 wickets at an average of 19.53 while only conceding 8.01 runs per over.
In addition to his IPL salary, Pathirana earns around $3500 and $5500 for every T20I and ODI he plays, respectively.
| Source of Income | Amount |
| IPL 2023 Salary (Chennai Super Kings) | INR 20 Lakhs (Approximately $24,000) |
| T20I Match Fee | $3500 per match |
| ODI Match Fee | $5500 per match |
Endorsements
Pathirana has a few endorsements, including brands like GA Sports and Nike.
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling in Innings | Average | Economy | Strike Rate |
| ODI | 12 | 12 | 507 | 616 | 17 | 4/32 | 36.23 | 7.27 | 29.8 |
| T20 | 30 | 30 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
FAQs
Who is Matheesha Pathirana?
Matheesha Pathirana is a professional cricketer from Sri Lanka known for his pace bowling abilities.
What is Matheesha Pathirana’s full name?
Matheesha Dilanka Pathirana
What is Matheesha Pathirana’s playing role in cricket?
Matheesha Pathirana is a right-arm fast bowler.
When did Matheesha Pathirana start playing cricket professionally?
Matheesha Pathirana began his professional cricket career in Sri Lanka, where he played domestic cricket.
Which domestic teams have Matheesha Pathirana played for?
Matheesha Pathirana has played for various domestic teams in Sri Lanka, including youth cricket and potentially in first-class and limited-overs formats.
What are Matheesha Pathirana’s strengths as a cricketer?
Matheesha Pathirana is known for his raw pace, ability to generate bounce, and potential to trouble batsmen with his aggressive bowling.
What are Matheesha Pathirana’s career aspirations in cricket?
Matheesha Pathirana aims to progress through the ranks of Sri Lankan cricket, secure a spot in the national team, and make a mark in international cricket.
