New Delhi: South African spinners Tabriz Shamsi sent social media into a frenzy with a hilarious post that perfectly captured the cricketer’s knack for creating unusual similarities. Sharing a clip from a local match possibly played in India, Shamsi featured a young lad bowling with a remarkably muddy action, reminiscent of two of Sri Lanka’s most unique fast bowlers.
“We had Malinga.. then we got Pathirana… now meet the final boss,” Shamsi captioned the video, drawing comparisons with Next Generation. The post quickly went viral, with fans delighted at how closely the young man’s act mirrored it Lasith Malinga And Mathisha Pathirana.both are 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 surprisingly similar act, earning the nickname “Baby Malinga” and making his mark in T20 leagues around the world. Shamsi’s post was timed to coincide with Pathirana’s much-anticipated arrival to join Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2026. After days of waiting, the Sri Lankan fast bowler has finally joined the squad, offering a glimmer of hope for a team that has struggled badly this season. Pathirana’s late entry was due to a calf strain during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. After recovering, he successfully cleared the fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket and got the necessary clearance to participate in the league. His inclusion was eagerly awaited, especially considering the huge investment of Rs 18 crore by the franchise. IPL AuctionDespite the boost in morale from his arrival, the team management is expected to take a cautious approach. Pathirana is unlikely to be included in the playing XI straight away, with the medical staff set to assess his fitness in a number of training sessions. The franchise wants to ensure that he is fully match-fit before being exposed to the rigors of competitive cricket.
