Born on a sunny day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 29 June 1998, Harshitha Madavi Dissanayake Samarawickrama, or as known as Harshitha Samarawickrama, quickly made her mark in the cricket world.
With a left-handed batting style and right arm slow-medium bowling, she caught the attention of many. Harshitha’s debut in the Twenty20 International (T20I) arena came in March 2016 against Ireland.
Not long after, in September 2016, she showcased her skills in her first One Day International (ODI) against Australia.
Key Takeaways
Hide- International Debut: Harshitha Samarawickrama debuted in T20I cricket in March 2016 and in ODI cricket in September 2016.
- Leadership and Captaincy: She captained the Sri Lankan team to a silver medal at the 2019 South Asian Games and served as vice-captain in several key tournaments.
- Batting Achievements: Samarawickrama boasts a top score of 75 in ODIs and an unbeaten 65 in T20Is, highlighting her batting prowess.
- Fielding Skills: Harshitha has taken eight catches in ODIs and three in T20Is, demonstrating her agility and skill in the field.
- International Impact: Through her consistent performances, Harshitha has significantly contributed to Sri Lanka's stature in international women's cricket.
- Role Model: Her journey from a young cricketer in Colombo to an international leader serves as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers.
- Continued Excellence: Samarawickrama's career reflects her dedication, skill, and passion for cricket, promising further achievements in the future.
Captaincy and Leadership: A New Chapter
November 2019 saw Harshitha stepping up as the captain for Sri Lanka’s squad at the 2019 South Asian Games. Under her leadership, the team clinched the silver medal, narrowly missing gold against Bangladesh.
Then, in January 2020, she embraced the role of vice-captain for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia, demonstrating her versatility and leadership on the global stage.
Continuing the Vice-Captaincy Legacy
Harshitha’s journey didn’t stop there. In October 2021, she was once again named vice-captain, this time for the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
Her leadership journey continued into January 2022, when she served as vice-captain for the 2022 Commonwealth Games Cricket Qualifier in Malaysia.
Finally, in July 2022, Harshitha’s dedication and hard work earned her a spot in Sri Lanka’s team for the cricket tournament at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.
Through each match and tournament, Harshitha Samarawickrama has not only shown her prowess on the field but also her ability to inspire and lead her team.
Her journey from a young cricketer in Colombo to a leader on the international stage is a testament to her dedication, skill, and passion for the game.
Harshitha Samarawickrama’s ODI Journey: A Cricket Odyssey
Harshitha Samarawickrama burst onto the international cricket scene on September 20, 2016, facing Australia with immense passion.
Wearing the cap number 68, she made her ODI debut, marking the beginning of a noteworthy career.
Her journey continued until July 7, 2022, when she last played an ODI against India. This period showcased her growth and dedication to the sport.
T20 Triumphs: Harshitha Samarawickrama’s Electrifying Performances
On March 20, 2016, Samarawickrama stepped onto the field against Ireland, embarking on her T20 international career with cap 42.
She displayed remarkable skill and agility, captivating audiences worldwide. Her last appearance in a T20 match was against England on September 6, 2023.
Throughout these matches, Samarawickrama’s performances were nothing short of inspirational, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and the spirit of cricket.
Harshitha Samarawickrama’s Stellar Strides in International Cricket
Harshitha Samarawickrama has made a remarkable impact on the international cricket scene. Through 18 One Day Internationals (ODIs), she amassed 419 runs, boasting a batting average of 23.27.
Additionally, her Twenty20 International (T20I) record shines with 300 runs from 23 matches, highlighting a 17.64 average.
Notably, she hit one half-century in both formats, peaking at a top score of 75 in ODIs and an unbeaten 65 in T20Is.
Despite facing bowlers across the globe, Samarawickrama has bowled only 24 balls in ODIs without claiming any wickets, and she hasn’t bowled in T20Is. On the field, her agility is evident with eight catches in ODIs and three in T20Is.
Harshitha Samarawickrama: A Beacon of Pride for Sri Lanka
Representing Sri Lanka, Samarawickrama has not only excelled individually but also contributed significantly to her team’s success.
At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, she was pivotal in securing a silver medal for her team. Similarly, at the 2019 South Asian Games held in Kathmandu/Pokhara, she again stood tall as her team clinched another silver.
Her performances on these stages demonstrate her vital role in elevating Sri Lanka’s status in women’s cricket on the international front.
Harshitha Samarawickrama’s journey in cricket is a testament to her dedication, skill, and passion for the game.
Each match, each run, and each catch she takes brings glory not only to her but also to her country, inspiring a new generation of cricketers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When did Harshitha Samarawickrama make her debut in international cricket?
Harshitha made her debut in the T20 International arena in March 2016 against Ireland, and her One Day International debut followed in September 2016 against Australia.
What leadership roles has Harshitha Samarawickrama held in her cricket career?
Harshitha has been a prominent leader, serving as the captain for Sri Lanka’s squad at the 2019 South Asian Games and vice-captain for the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the 2021 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, the 2022 Commonwealth Games Cricket Qualifier, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
What are Harshitha Samarawickrama's notable achievements in her cricket career?
Besides amassing significant runs in ODIs and T20Is, Harshitha has led her team to silver medals at both the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and the 2019 South Asian Games. Her top scores are 75 in ODIs and an unbeaten 65 in T20Is.
