Pathirana: ‘My Body Automatically Changed the Release Point’ After Injury Battle

Despite Sri Lanka’s defeat to England in the first T20I, Matheesha Pathirana’s return to form emerged as a major positive, with the young fast bowler delivering a standout performance on a batting-friendly surface in Colombo.

Pathirana finished with figures of 1 for 18 from his four overs, conceding runs at a miserly economy of 4.5 on a pitch where most seamers struggled. His impact was reflected in ESPNcricinfo’s MVP index, where only England legspinner Adil Rashid ranked ahead of him. Sri Lanka eventually lost by 11 runs via the DLS method, defending a revised target of 115 from 15 overs, but England were kept under pressure far longer than expected.

While other fast bowlers leaked runs — including Sam Curran and Eshan Malinga, who went at nearly 12 an over — Pathirana controlled the innings with his full range of skills. Bowling at speeds touching 148kph, he mixed searing yorkers with clever pace-off deliveries and sharp short balls. Notably, two of his overs came inside the powerplay, a departure from his usual role as a specialist death bowler.

“Even though I’ve practised bowling in the powerplay, there was no specific plan for me to bowl there today,” Pathirana said after the match. “Because our score was lower than expected, it was decided that I would bowl in the powerplay.”

Equally encouraging was his improved control. Wides have often been a concern for the slingy fast bowler, but he sent down just three across his spell — a sign of regained rhythm after a difficult period.

“Over the last year and a half, along with my injuries, it was a challenging time,” Pathirana said. “I lost my rhythm, but I’ve worked very hard to get back to this level. Recently, Mali aiya [Lasith Malinga] has been here helping, along with all the SLC coaches. Everyone contributed.”

Malinga’s influence has been significant. The former Sri Lanka great, now working as the national team’s fast-bowling coach ahead of the T20 World Cup, has emphasised repetition-heavy, target-based training — an approach Pathirana credits for his resurgence.

“I didn’t do anything major, just simple, basic things,” he said. “The main change was increasing repetitions in practice. If there’s any improvement, that’s the reason.”

The performance marked a sharp turnaround for Pathirana, who had played just two T20Is in 2025 due to injuries and form issues, and was released by Chennai Super Kings after IPL 2025. Although he was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders, it was seen as a calculated gamble rather than a move backed by recent form.

One of the key criticisms during his slump was a higher release point compared to his breakout seasons. CSK coach Stephen Fleming had highlighted this during IPL 2025. On Friday, Pathirana’s release point was noticeably lower — though still not quite at its original level — a change the bowler says was largely beyond his control.

“Yes, my release point did change,” Pathirana said. “I was playing with a fairly major shoulder injury, so my body just automatically changed the release point. Even now, I’m doing rehab between matches, and that’s why I’m seeing improvement and the release point is getting back to what it used to be.”

With Pathirana rediscovering form, Dushmantha Chameera nearing full fitness and Eshan Malinga also performing strongly, Sri Lanka’s pace attack appears well placed as preparations intensify for the upcoming T20 World Cup — offering optimism despite the opening defeat.