Sri Lanka suffered a major injury scare after pace spearhead Matheesha Pathirana limped off with a a left calf injury just four balls into his spell during their T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Australia in Pallekele.

The 23-year-old pulled up sharply in his follow-through while delivering the fourth ball of his opening over - the third of the match - and immediately went to ground clutching his left leg. After receiving treatment on the field, he was assisted off, with captain Dasun Shanaka stepping in to complete the remaining two deliveries of the over.

"Matheesha Pathirana experienced discomfort in his left leg calf while bowling during the match and was unable to continue. He will not bowl further in this game. A scan will be conducted tomorrow to determine the extent of the injury," a statement from the team read.

Any prolonged absence would be a significant blow, particularly with the 'slinger' appearing to rediscover rhythm after recent months reportedly spent reworking his action. Sri Lanka are already without Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out earlier in the tournament through injury.

Pathirana's fitness will also be closely monitored beyond the World Cup. His new IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, secured him for INR 18 crore for the season set to begin in 40 days time. KKR are already set to be without Mustafizur Rahman - signed for INR 9.20 crore - after the BCCI directed his release amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh.