South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has sparked plenty of laughter online after posting a clip that playfully nods to cricket’s habit of producing eerily similar bowling actions. The video, shared on social media, shows a young boy delivering with a slingy, round-arm style that immediately brings to mind two Sri Lankan pacers.
Quick facts
- Tabraiz Shamsi shared a humorous video featuring a youngster’s slingy bowling action.
- Shamsi linked the youngster’s style to Lasith Malinga and Matheesha Pathirana.
- The post went viral as fans noted the resemblance in action between the different generations.
- Pathirana’s arrival to join Kolkata Knight Riders is set to take place ahead of IPL 2026.
- His delayed entry followed a calf strain picked up during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year.
- He cleared a fitness test with Sri Lanka Cricket and was given clearance to play in the league.
- Kolkata Knight Riders made an investment of Rs 18 crore for Pathirana at the IPL auction.
In the caption, Shamsi leaned into the comparison with a wink, writing that it was “Malinga” first, “Pathirana” next, and that this youngster looks like the next “final boss.” The humour landed well with cricket fans, who quickly pointed out how closely the boy’s delivery action mirrors the unorthodox, round-arm sling that has defined Malinga and later Pathirana.
Malinga, widely regarded as one of the most distinctive death-bowlers of the modern era, built his reputation on a low-arm release that made him exceptionally difficult to read at the business end of an innings. Years after his peak, Pathirana arrived with a similarly eye-catching motion, earning the “Baby Malinga” tag as he carved out his own niche in T20 competitions across the globe.
Pathirana’s IPL 2026 link-up
The timing of Shamsi’s post lines up with Pathirana’s highly anticipated move to Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026. After a period of waiting, the Sri Lankan pacer finally joined the squad, bringing an immediate lift in energy for a team that has struggled badly through the season.
However, Pathirana’s entry did not come straight away. He had suffered a calf strain during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup earlier this year, which delayed his return to full training and match availability. Once he recovered, he completed a fitness assessment conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket and received the green light to take part in the league.
His inclusion has been especially significant because Kolkata Knight Riders had spent Rs 18 crore on him at the IPL auction, underlining the franchise’s belief that his skillset could be a major impact boost—particularly in high-pressure phases where variations and deception matter most.
Even with his arrival promising a morale boost, the team management is expected to be deliberate about his workload. The plan is unlikely to involve a straight rush into the playing XI; instead, the medical and support staff will assess how ready he is over multiple training sessions.
For Kolkata, the priority will be ensuring Pathirana is fully match-fit before being exposed to the intensity and rhythm of competitive cricket—conditions that can be unforgiving for players returning from injury.
For fans following the action, keep an eye on the latest IPL live scores, IPL news updates, the schedule, the points table, and the battle for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
