Asia Cup 2023: Ian Bishop namedrops MS Dhoni after Pathirana wrecks Bangladesh

Promising Sri Lankan speedster Matheesha Pathirana (4/32) bowled brilliantly in a group B match against Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup to help his team script a comfortable victory.

Following the development, former West Indies player Ian Bishop hailed Pathirana for his fierce outing in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup opener. Moreover, the legend also namedropped former India and current Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain MS Dhoni in his post on Twitter.

“Easy to see why Sri Lanka cricket, CSK and MS Dhoni are valuing Matheesha Pathirana so highly. He is still learning his craft. But he is learning quickly and will be a real handful in years to come,” wrote Bishop.

Earlier, Pathirana has also credited Captain Cool MS Dhoni for grooming and training him.

Pathirana, who has uncanny similarities with the legendary Lasith Malinga’s bowling action, was only 19 when CSK roped him in cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL 2022). The emerging unorthodox pacer from Sri Lanka had not even played first-class cricket then. However, Dhoni saw something special in the youngster and he has become a vital cog in CSK’s wheel since then.

Notably, Sri Lanka are the co-hosts of the 2023 edition of Asia Cup alongside Pakistan. Team India will begins its campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday.Top-2 teams from both groups will qualify for the Super Fours.