“Baby Malinga is here” – Nostalgia hits Twitter as fans hype Matheesha Pathirana after an impressive debut

CricBouncer DeskJune 10, 2022Last Updated: June 10, 2022

326 1 minute read

Matheesha Pathirana. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

How do you feel when you see a copy and a younger version of your favourite superstar making his debut? Well, Lasith Malinga’s fans worldwide were hit by Nostalgia as they witnessed Matheesha Pathirana making his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.

Lasith Malinga is considered one of the greatest T20 bowlers in the history of the game. Moreover, he is arguably the greatest ever pacer to play in the Indian Premier League. His retirement left a massive hole in the game and the IPL.

However, fans got a glimpse of the future as the young Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana made an impressive debut. The youngster represented Sri Lanka in the recently concluded U-19 World Cup. He has earned himself the nickname of ‘Baby Malinga’ courtesy of his slinger bowling action similar to the legendary Lasith Malinga.

On Sunday, Chennai Super Kings were up against Gujarat Titans in the 62nd match of the Indian Premier League 2022 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. CSK‘s skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and decided to bat first. However, the decision didn’t work well for the defending champions as they were restricted by Gujarat Titans for 133/5 in 20 overs.

Defending the small total, the onus was upon the bowlers to create something magical. However, Wriddhiman Saha’s belligerent knock didn’t give the four-time champions any space.

Matheesha Pathirana impresses all with two wickets on the debut

The young Srilankan had a dream debut as he dismissed Shubman Gill one the very first delivery of his IPL career. Pathirana trapped the stylish Gill plumb in front of the stumps. He also grabbed the massive wicket of Gujarat Titans’ skipper, Hardik Pandya, to scalp two wickets on his debut.

Twitter was set ablaze after the youngster’s impressive outing and the fans could not hide their excitement.

Check out the best tweets

A quick bowler from Sri Lanka, shirt number 99, and slinging bowling action 👀

Matheesha Pathirana (often called Baby Malinga) has taken a wicket on the first ball of his IPL career 👏👏#MatheeshaPathirana #LasisthMalinga #CSK #IPL2022 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/Ointb0TNFW

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) May 15, 2022

Baby Malinga is here. pic.twitter.com/qbvwlEuO2H

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 15, 2022

'Baby Malinga' for CSK, gets Gill first ball of IPL career.
'Baby AB' for MI, gets Kohli first ball of IPL career.

On a different note, ABD hit 124 runs in 61 balls of Malinga's bowling, the highest by any batter against a bowler in IPL without being dismissed.#IPL2022

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) May 15, 2022

https://twitter.com/AvengerReturns/status/1525827033955115008

By the end of CSK's campaign, we have got another positive thing.
Baby Malinga😅

— ` (@kurkureter) May 15, 2022

Run Machine openers, firing middle order, Dhoni and Jaddu in lower order, Lethal PP bowling pair, Baby Malinga as upcoming death bowler, Left arm-right arm-mystery spin trio

— H (@_offthemark_) May 15, 2022

So, Baby Malinga, Matheesha Pathirana, getting his maiden IPL wicket in the first ball of his IPL career is the only good thing of the match so far!#CSKvGT #CSKvsGT #GTvCSK #GTvsCSK #IPL2022

— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) May 15, 2022