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WILDCARD PATHIRANA STRENGTHENS JSK FAST BOWLING CONTINGENT
The Joburg Super Kings closed out their squad for Betway SA20 Season 3 with the signing of Sri Lankan fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana as their Wildcard on Wednesday.
Pathirana is already part of the Super Kings family, having played for the Chennai Super Kings the past three seasons in the Indian Premier League.
The 21-year-old, who joins his compatriot Maheesh Theekshana at JSK, has played 12 ODIs and T20Is respectively for Sri Lanka.
Joburg Super Kings' social media announcement of Matheesha Pathirana as their Wildcard included his signature celebration.
Overall, Pathirana has featured in 66 T20s, claiming 98 wickets at an average of 18.18 at an economy of 8.06.
He missed the recent ODI series against India after picking up a shoulder complaint while fielding in the third T20I in Pallekele, but is well on the road to recovery.
Pathirana, who has a similar slinging action in the mould of Sri Lanka’s legendary fast bowler and MI Cape Town bowling coach Lasith Malinga, was the Lanka Premier League's record signing earlier this year and backed up his price tag with 15 wickets at an economy rate of 8.33.
He will join an impressive list of fast bowlers that JSK have lined up for Season 3 with New Zealander Doug Bracewell bought at the auction on Tuesday for R175 000. Bracewell was also part of the Super Kings’ squad last year after replacing West Indian Romario Shepherd.
Proteas trio Lizaad Williams, fit-again Gerald Coetzee and Beuran Hendricks (replacing the injured Nandre Burger) complete the JSK fast bowling contingent.
Matheesha Pathirana becomes the missing Wildcard piece to Joburg Super Kings' Season 3 puzzle
FULL JOBURG SUPER KINGS SEASON 3 SQUAD
Faf du Plessis (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Maheesh Theekshana, Devon Conway, Gerald Coetzee, David Wiese, Leus du Plooy, Lizaad Williams, Donovan Ferreira, Imran Tahir, Sibonelo Makhanya, Tabraiz Shamsi, Wihan Lubbe, Evan Jones, Doug Bracewell, JP King (Rookie), Matheesha Pathirana (Wildcard), Beuran Hendricks.
*Hendricks replaced Nandre Burger (injured) in JSK's squad on 17 October 2024.
Main image: ICC/Getty
