Pallekale: Sri Lanka’s rising fast bowler Madisha Patherana walks off the field during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match against Australia at Pallekale International Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The incident occurred in the third over of Australia’s innings when Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka brought Patirana into the attack, however, he looked visibly uncomfortable as he stepped into his pursuit.
The right-arm pacer managed to bowl four balls before going down, favoring his left leg, with physios rushing to the field to attend to the 23-year-old.
After receiving brief medical attention, Pathirana walked off the field, assisted by his teammates, while captain Shanaka completed the over and hit a boundary through Travis Head.
Patherana’s untimely injury forced them to alter their plans and make changes to their bowling attack, forcing captain Shanaka to bowl another over to fill the void.
An injury-hit Sri Lanka bowling attack was dominated by Australia’s opening pair of captain Mitchell Marsh and Head, who put up a century-plus partnership to give the 2021 champions the start they wanted in their must-win tournament.
Head was finally removed in the ninth over by Dushan Hemantha and within two overs top-order batsman Cameron Green and skipper Marsh followed with two wickets.
Meanwhile, when this story was filed, Australia had amassed 127/3 in 12 overs with Tim Davids and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis at the crease.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanga, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (VK), Pawan Ratnayake, Dasun Shanaka (catch), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Vellalake, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Sameera, Mahish Deekshana and Madisha Patherana.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (catch), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis (week), Tim David, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa.