'X-factor' Pathirana hailed by SL coach after Bangladesh win
Matheesha Pathirana celebrates, AFP
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Asalanka heroics power Sri Lanka to 49-run win over Australia
12 Feb 25
Fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana was hailed as his team's 'X-factor' after returning impressive figures of 4-32 to help Sri Lanka to a comprehensive five-wicket win over Bangladesh in the Asia Cup on Thursday.
Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood predicts a bright future for the 20-year-old Pathirana, who is fondly called "Baby Malinga".
"He has got a big future. I think he is an exciting young prospect. I have seen him going from strength to strength. He learns very quickly and absorbs information." said Silverwood.
On his team's bowling variety, Silverwood said, "We had a bowling attack that had a little bit for everyone. Off-spinner, left-arm spinners, fast bowlers, we had X-factor in Matheesha."
The bowlers set up victory with Pathirana, whose yorkers have earned him comparisons to Lasith Malinga, picking up key wickets including skipper Shakib al Hasan and wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.
Pathirana was named man of the match and said, "My bowling is different so a little unpredictable."
Sri Lanka, who won the T20 edition of the tournament in Dubai last year, are co-hosting with Pakistan and will next play Afghanistan in Lahore.
