Matheesha Pathirana should not even get close to red-ball cricket: MS Dhoni

The 49th game of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a clash between the MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings and the five-time champions Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Saturday, May 6.

Batting first, Mumbai Indians crumbled under the relentless bowling attack of Chennai. The spell of Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana was crucial for the hosts in limiting the five-time champions to a low total. Pathirana bowled four overs in the game, taking three wickets and conceding just 15 runs in the process.

His performance saw him earn the Player of the Match award as well. Furthermore, after the game, Chennai skipper MS Dhoni talked about Pathirana’s recent performances in the post-match presentation. Dhoni also opined that the 20-year-old should stick to the limited-overs format and stay away from red-ball cricket.

"I would prefer him not to play red-ball cricket and play all the ICC tournaments, he would be a great asset for Sri Lanka. He was slightly lean last season and has added muscle this season," MS Dhoni said in the post-match presentation.

Chennai Super Kings defeated Mumbai Indians by six wickets

Talking about the game, Chennai Super Kings came in to chase a target of 140 runs, and the four-time champions got off to a wonderful start as Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway provided the side with just the start that they needed. Gaikwad scored 30 runs, whereas Conway amassed 44 runs in 42 deliveries. 

Furthermore, Ajinkya Rahane scored 21 runs in 17 deliveries, with Shivam Dube playing an unbeaten knock of 26 runs in 18 balls. The resilient knocks by the batters helped Chennai register their sixth victory of the IPL 2023.

After the win, the side finds itself in second place in the IPL points table with 13 points in 11 games. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians sit in sixth place with 10 points in 10 matches.