Ex-Sylvestrian cricketer Hiran Rajakaruna dies

S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Correspondent

Former St. Sylvester’s College and Central Zone Schools fast bowler Hiran Rajakaruna who has the record of having taken four wickets in four balls in a big match passed away after a brief illness and his funeral took place at the family burial grounds at Pilimatalawa, a township close to Peradeniya.

Hiran Rajakaruna was a deadly fast bowler with a slightly suspect action but he has been cleared by all umpires of that time at all levels of cricket except at International level. He played for his alma mater sharing the new ball for four years and managed to get over 50 wickets every season.

He is best remembered for his deadly bowling in the big match against Vidyartha College at Police grounds, Kandy in 1967. Vidyartha College led by former Deputy Inspector General of Police R.M. Lafir held the upper hand against their rivals and were set a small target to win with plenty of time.

But Hiran Rajakaruna in a sensational spell of bowling captured four wickets in four balls which included the hat-trick and almost brought the Sylvestrians to the throes of victory before the Vidyarthians hit off the 20 odd runs required for victory. All his victims were clean bowled.

This performance still stands a record in a big match and is recorded as one of the best bowling efforts in a school match.

Hiran Rajakaruna also played for the Central Zone Schools and the Kandy Schools in the then inter zonal tournament matches.

On leaving school he took up employment at Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation in the Upcountry. He played Sara Trophy cricket for Dimbula and also rugby as a Flanker for the Radella Club in the seventies.