'He can become champion bowler of the world': Irfan Pathan names cricket's next superstar

The defending champions of the Asia Cup 2023, Sri Lanka, displayed a strong performance in their opening match against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets on Thursday, August 31, 2023. BAN won the toss and decided to bat, making 164 after being all-out in 42.4 overs. The home team had a comfortable chase and made 165 runs at a loss of 5 wickets in 39 overs.

3 things you need to know 

• Sri Lanka won the match against Bangladesh by 5 wickets with 66 balls left 
• Matheesha Pathirana was named the Player of the Match 
• The next Asia Cup match will be between India and Pakistan on Saturday, September 2, 2023 

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Irfan Pathan makes a huge statement about Matheesha Pathirana

Irfan Pathan, a former cricket player, has recognised Matheesha Pathirana for his outstanding bowling performance in the Asia Cup 2023 match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Pathirana demonstrated his abilities by collecting four wickets for just 32 runs in 7.4 overs in the match played at Pallekele on Thursday. He bowled Bangladesh out for 164 runs as a result of his outstanding performance in the Group B match. Then, Dasun Shanaka and his group successfully chased the target with five wickets and 11 overs remaining, raising their prospects of moving on to the Super Four round.

Irfan Pathan lauded Matheesha Pathirana during a conversation on Star Sports and quipped that he might take over Lasith Malinga's position in the future. Pathan explained his reasoning, praising the young bowler's skills and making analogies to the legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler while emphasising his belief. He said: 

He picked up four wickets, where you got to see the bouncer, hard length and slower ones. He completely foxed Taskin Ahmed. You have got a bowler who can win you matches. This boy can do the job Malinga used to do. His slower one also dips like him.

Irfan Pathan predicts Matheesha Pathirana's future 

He just has to be mindful of one thing, he shouldn't get injured. If he doesn't get injured for the next 10 years, he can become a champion bowler of the world, not only of Sri Lanka.

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Matheesha Pathirana's international cricket career has been advancing steadily. In his first five One Day Internationals (ODIs), he has taken eight wickets. Pathirana achieved his first four-wicket haul in one-day internationals during the most recent match against Bangladesh. It was an extraordinary accomplishment for the rising star.