NEW DELHI: South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi sent social media into a frenzy with a hilarious post that perfectly captured cricket’s knack for producing uncanny similarities. Sharing a clip from a local match, possibly played in India, Shamsi highlighted a young boy bowling with a distinctly slingy action, reminiscent of two of Sri Lanka’s most unique pacers.
“We had Malinga.. then we got Pathirana… Meet the final boss now,” Shamsi captioned the video, cheekily extending the comparison to the next generation. The post quickly went viral, with fans amused by how closely the youngster’s action mirrored that of Lasith Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana, both known for their unorthodox, round-arm slinging deliveries.Malinga, a legend of the modern game, built his reputation on a unique low-arm release that made him one of the most feared death bowlers in world cricket. Years later, Pathirana emerged with a strikingly similar action, earning the nickname “Baby Malinga” and carving out his own identity in T20 leagues around the world. The timing of Shamsi’s post coincided with Pathirana’s much-anticipated arrival to join Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. After days of waiting, the Sri Lankan pacer finally linked up with the squad, offering a ray of hope for a side struggling badly this season. Pathirana’s delayed entry was due to a calf strain he suffered during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. Following his recovery, he successfully cleared a fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket and received the necessary clearance to participate in the league. His inclusion had been eagerly anticipated, especially given the hefty Rs 18 crore investment made by the franchise at the IPL auction.While his arrival boosts morale, the team management is expected to take a cautious approach. Pathirana is unlikely to be rushed straight into the playing XI, with the medical staff set to evaluate his readiness over multiple training sessions. The franchise will be keen to ensure he is fully match-fit before exposing him to the rigours of competitive cricket.
