"Our Malinga is difficult to pick" - MS Dhoni opens up on Sri Lanka U19 starlet Matheesha Pathirana's future
However, after a really great start from Moeen Ali, CSK lost all the momentum in the middle phase and were restricted to 150/6 in their 20 overs. Although the Chennai bowlers tried hard to defend the target, in the end, a cameo from Ashwin took it away from CSK.
After the match, skipper MS Dhoni also felt that they were 10-15 runs short of the par target. Speaking of this season, MSD praised the young bowlers on the team. He is hopeful that Mukesh Choudhary and Matheesha Pathirana have been good in whatever opportunities they have got and will come good next season.
In particular, he named Sri Lanka U19 star Pathirana, whose bowling action is similar to Lasith Malinga, has impressed everyone with his performance on a grand stage. He has picked up three wickets in two matches he has played, and the skipper has backed him to come good next season.
MSD said that it is difficult for batters to pick him. He added, "Our Malinga [Matheesha Pathirana], he’s really good. It’s difficult to pick him and I feel he will definitely contribute next year for us in a big way."
The Sri Lanka U19 star picked a wicket on the very first ball of his debut match against Gujarat Titans. And he has caught the attention of everyone because of his slingy bowling action.