Harsha Rajapaksha Cricketer with unique achievements

Priyan de Silva-Matara Sports Corr

Harsha Rajapaksha caught the eye of cricket coach Tharindu Mannage when he gained entrance to grade six at Telijjawila Central College in 2006. Tharindu was in the habit of watching the boys have a quick game of cricket during recess. It was not difficult for Tharindu to polish the natural talent of this lanky left hand batsman who had exceptional accuracy while bowling left arm fast.

Harsha represented Telijjawila Central College in the under 13 division three tournament in 2006, 2007 and 2008. He captained the team in 2007. Harsha scored 400 runs which included two centuries and two half centuries and captured 15 wickets in the six games played in 2008 I was entertained by budding Harsha’s innings of 118 scored in 84 balls with 14 boundaries and three sixes against Vijitha Central College Dikwella. The match was played at the Telijjawila school grounds on the 28th of November 2008.

Rahula college Master in charge and junior cricket coach Indunil Liyanage , all ways on the look out for exceptionally talented youngsters recognized Harsha’s potential and invited him to join Rahula College. Harsha represented Rahula in the all island schools under 15 division one tournament in 2009 and 2010. He scored more than 300 runs and captured 25 wicket s in 2009. He represented the Matara district team in 2009 and 2010 and went on to represent the provincial team and the Sri Lanka schools squad in 2010. Harsha had the privilege to play in the first XI team coached by Charith Palliyage in 2010 . He scored 457 runs which included five half tons and captured 15 wickets.

In 2011 playing in the Sri Lanka schools under 17 tournament Harsha scored 402 runs and captured 19 wickets. He represented the Provincial team and was a member of the Sri Lanka under 17 cricket squad that year. In the under 19 tournament he scored 651 runs. He was adjudged the best batsman and man of the match at the battle of two cities in 2012. Harsha had two centuries and two half centuries in the 450 runs he scored in the under 17 tournament in 2012. He captured 20 wickets in the tournament. He was appointed vice captain of this team. He was selected to represent the Sri Lanka Schools under 17 team in 2012.

Harsha has 400 runs and 50 wickets to his credit this season. He achieved a unique feat of capturing all ten wickets in one innings in the match against Devapathiraja College Rathgama and he conceded only eight runs! He has three ten wicket hauls and three hat tricks. Speaking of hat tricks Harsha captured two hat tricks in one innings against St Thomas’ College Kotte! He is a member of the Sri Lanka under 19 cricket pool at present and has impressed the selectors with his stylish bating, accurate bowling and safe fielding.

Harsha Rajapaksha’s journey to fame has been through many obstacles and financial restraints. Harsha’s family have made many sacrifices to assist his cricketing career. His father is a driver and mother a school teacher. He has two younger siblings. It is their belief that Harsha will represent Sri Lanka in the near future.