Co-hosts, Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow as their star pacer Matheesha Pathirana was ruled out of the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Matheesha suffered a left calf strain during the SL vs AUS, T20 World Cup 2026 match. His absence is a major blow to the Sri Lankan cricket team’s bowling line-up as they move forward to the Super 8 stage. During the Sri Lanka vs Australia match on Monday, February 16th, in Pallekele, Pathirana bowled only four balls before leaving the field due to injury.

After bowling his fourth ball, Pathirana suddenly fell to the ground holding his hamstring in pain. The Sri Lankan physio rushed to check on Pathirana. After a brief assessment, Matheesha Pathirana got back on his feet but he didn’t look comfortable. He walked off the field because of the discomfort and didn’t return to complete his spell.

Meanwhile, according to a report by Newswire.IK, Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the remaining matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 due to a left calf strain. Pathirana’s injury has come as a major setback for Sri Lanka, especially considering his role as a key pace option and the main death-over option for the team. Losing him just ahead of Super 8 disrupts both their plans and balance.

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“Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with a left calf strain, although an official announcement is yet to be made by Sri Lanka Cricket. His injury has forced selectors to reassess their options ahead of the Super Eight stage,” the report read.

With Matheesha Pathirana ruled out, attention now shifts to who could step in as his replacement. Left-arm pacer, Dilshan Madushanka looks like the best replacement for Pathirana at this moment. His ability to swing the ball and bowl at different stages of the innings make him a strong frontrunner.

Wanindu Hasaranga back in the conversation 👀🇱🇰

With Matheesha Pathirana ruled out through injury, team management are exploring the possibility of reintroducing Wanindu into the squad later in the tournament, depending on his recovery progress.

Sri Lanka have some breathing … pic.twitter.com/CGy7iOwsNC

— Cricwire (@CricWireLK) February 18, 2026

Apart from Dilshan, Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara are also being considered as potential replacements for Pathirana. Both the bowlers are known for bringing their own strengths and skills to the table. All-rounder Milan Rathnayake is another option. He can bowl seam and also strengthen the lower order with his batting, giving Sri Lanka better balance if they change their combination.

Further, the report added that the Sri Lankan management is considering bringing Wanindu Hasaranga back into the squad later in the tournament. Although he has yet to fully recover from his hamstring injury, the team is considering his return if he regains fitness in time.

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“Sri Lanka are also exploring the possibility of reintroducing Wanindu Hasaranga into the squad. Although he has not fully recovered from his hamstring injury, discussions are ongoing on whether he could regain fitness later in the tournament,” the report added.

It has to be noted, with their final group match having a little impact on their qualification for the Super 8, Sri Lanka has got plenty of time to wait for Hasaranga’s recovery and has also kept their replacement options open before the Super 8 phase.