Matheesha Pathirana Injury Shock in Third Over as Australia Hit Sri Lanka Early

Sri Lanka fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana got a hamstring injury during their T20 World Cup 2026 match against Australia at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. After bowling the fourth ball of his first over, the 23-year-old suddenly held his left leg and fell to the ground.

Team physios came quickly and he had to be helped off the field because he couldn’t walk properly, which suggests the injury might be serious. In his place, Dasun Shanaka finished the over. In the meantime, Australia got off to a blazing start. Flamboyant batter Travis Head returned to form with a 27-ball half-century, while captain Mitchell Marsh, back in the XI, made an immediate impact.

Matheesha Pathirana injured in SL vs AUS clash

The pair added 100 runs together in just 8.2 overs, giving Australia strong momentum after concerns arose from their earlier loss to Zimbabwe. Head departed for 56 runs off 29 balls as Dushan Hemantha handed the much-needed breakthrough. Nevertheless, Marsh managed to keep up with the tempo, completing his fifty in 25 balls.

Cameron Green came in to bat at number three but could not continue the good momentum. He struggled and scored just three runs from seven balls before getting out to Dunith Wellalage. Following two quick wickets, Sri Lanka would now hope to put pressure on the new batter to deliver a few quiet overs. On the other hand, Pathirana didn't make his return to the field. He is expected to be under observation, as Sri Lanka cricket is yet to make any comment on the same.

Australia (Playing XI): Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Tim David, Josh Inglis (wk), Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Pavan Rathnayake, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana