8 Facts about Sri Lanka's new left arm spinning all-rounder Sachith Pathirana

Sachith Pathirana is a perfect example of how tough it’s to rise to the national team from the domestic circuit. The Island Nation saw the talent of the left-arm spinning all-rounder when he topped the batting charts for his team in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. He built a solid reputation for himself at that time. But, then came the struggle period. Despite all the potential and promise, Sachith somehow couldn’t manage to carve a place in the national team quickly. But, relentless hard work and headlines grabbing performances in the domestic tournament over the years saw the 27 year old finally realise his dream.

1.Born on:

Sachith Shanaka Pathirana was born March 21, 1989, Kandy

2. Education:

Sachith is an alumnus of the famous Trinity College in the famous city of Kandy

3. The young leader:

Sachith captained Sri Lanka’s U-19 side at the age of 17 in a one-day tri-series against England and Malaysia.

4. Shows potentials in the 2008 Under 19 World Cup:

A year later after leading his u-19 side, Sachith made a major impact in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. The all-rounder displayed his potential by hitting 231 runs and taking 10 wickets. He finished the tournament as the highest run-getter for his team.

5. Jump from one club to another:

Sachith began senior career with Colombo Cricket Club but later moved to Ragama Cricket Club. Sachith eventually settled with Chilaw Marians in since 2012/13.

6. International call-up:

Sachith remained prolific with both bat and ball in the domestic competitions and these performances did not go unnoticed. Back to back solid domestic seasons whose number culminate to 86 List A wickets at 22.58 saw him getting selected for the ODI series at home against Bangladesh in 2015. He took three wickets in the series.

7. Comeback after a year:

Sachith lost his place in the limited-overs team after the Bangladesh series and had to wait for more than a year to wear the colored jersey again.

8. Major Clubs:

Colombo Cricket Club, Combined Provinces, Kandurata, Kandy Youth Cricket Club, Ragama Cricket Club, Southern Express, Sri Lanka Under-19s.