Watch: Maheesh Theekshana copies Sunil Narine’s unique bowling action in PAK vs SL 1st T20I

Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after securing a four-wicket win in the opening match in Rawalpindi. Sri Lanka posted a strong performance through Lahiru Udara, who scored 91 runs off 55 balls. However, quick-fire half-centuries from Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat helped Pakistan chase down the target and secure a memorable victory.

While Farhan’s explosive batting grabbed attention, Maheesh Theekshana created a talking point with his bowling action during Pakistan’s chase. The Sri Lankan spinner appeared to imitate Sunil Narine by hiding his bowling arm behind his back during his run-up. The unusual movement caught the attention of fans and added an interesting moment to the opening T20I.

Theekshana’s action quickly became a talking point among cricket fans, with many noticing its similarity to Narine’s distinctive style. Although Pakistan’s victory remained the main highlight of the match, the spinner’s unusual run-up also attracted attention on social media. 

Watch the viral video of Maheesh Theekshana’s bowling action during the PAK vs SL 1st T20I here.

Maheesh Theekshana copies Sunil Narine’s bowling action: What happened in PAK vs SL 1st T20I 

The incident took place during Pakistan’s chase in the first T20I against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. Maheesh Theekshana came on to bowl in the sixth over, but his run-up caught the attention of cricket fans. The Sri Lankan spinner appeared to hide his bowling arm behind his back before delivering the ball, reminding fans of Sunil Narine’s unique bowling action.

Theekshana’s unusual run-up quickly became a talking point, with fans noticing its similarity to Narine’s style. The spinner has previously played alongside Narine for the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). However, his recent bowling action caught some fans by surprise, as they did not recall seeing him use the same movement during his recent CPL stint.

See also -Watch: Shadab Khan’s stunning airborne catch stuns Sri Lanka in PAK vs SL 1st T20I

Theekshana and Narine were teammates at Trinbago Knight Riders during the 2022 CPL season. Both players are known for their skills as mystery spinners, but their bowling actions have distinct features. Theekshana’s latest run-up has sparked discussion among cricket fans, with many comparing his movement to Narine’s familiar style during the PAK vs SL 1st T20I.

How Theekshana mimicked Narine: Run-Up, release and action explained 

Sunil Narine is known for his unique bowling action and controlled approach to the crease, which have made him one of the most effective mystery spinners in T20 cricket. His smooth run-up and steady movement help him maintain control before delivering the ball. His bowling style often makes it difficult for batters to read his deliveries early.

One of the most noticeable features of Narine’s action is his arm movement. He brings his hands together near his chest before raising his bowling arm during the delivery stride. He also keeps the ball difficult to read until the last moment, giving batters little time to judge the type of delivery. These features have helped him build a reputation as a challenging bowler in the shortest format.

See also -How to watch Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20I Series 2026 live in India: Dates, Timings, Venue and Live streaming

Narine mainly uses off-breaks and variations such as the carrom ball to trouble batters. He can also change his pace and trajectory to keep them guessing. During the PAK vs SL 1st T20I, Maheesh Theekshana’s run-up attracted attention because he appeared to hide his bowling arm behind his back, reminding fans of Narine’s unusual style. However, the similarity appeared to be in the run-up, and it does not necessarily mean that both bowlers use the same complete bowling action.

Fans react to Theekshana’s Narine imitation: What it means for Sri Lanka’s spin plans

Maheesh Theekshana’s unusual run-up during the PAK vs SL 1st T20I caught the attention of cricket fans, with many comparing his movement to Sunil Narine’s bowling style. The Sri Lankan spinner appeared to hide his bowling arm behind his back before delivering the ball, leading to discussions on social media. Fans were surprised by the similarity and shared their reactions to the moment.

The comparison has also brought attention to Theekshana’s experience playing alongside Narine at Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League. While both spinners are known for their variations and ability to trouble batters, the similarity in their run-up does not necessarily mean their complete bowling actions are the same. The moment has added an interesting talking point to Pakistan’s opening T20I win.

For Sri Lanka, Theekshana remains an important part of their spin attack because of his variations and ability to control the game in the middle overs. His bowling will be crucial as the team looks to bounce back in the remaining matches of the series. However, the attention surrounding his run-up is unlikely to change Sri Lanka’s plans, with the team’s main focus remaining on improving its performance and levelling the series.