Harshitha Samarawickrama: Sri Lanka’s Rising Cricket Star

A Team in Transition

Teams molded by legendary players often face slower transitions than rapid changes, and Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team exemplifies this truth. While Chamari Athapaththu remains the central figure, Harshitha Samarawickrama has quietly emerged as a formidable presence, evolving into a potential leader for the future.

Emerging as a Key Batter

Harshitha is set to feature prominently in the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, showcasing her reliability at the crease. She is among the select group of Sri Lankan women to surpass 1,000 runs in both ODI and T20I formats, making her a guiding force for younger teammates.

Style and Technique

Soft-spoken yet determined, the 27-year-old combines elegance with efficiency. Her lean frame belies the authority in her stance, and her quick reflexes, sharp hands, and precise strokeplay allow her to anchor innings, shift momentum, and lead Sri Lanka to competitive positions.

Defining Career Moments

Harshitha’s defining performance came during the 2024 Women’s T20 Asia Cup in Dambulla. Before an enthusiastic home crowd, she played the innings of her career, leading Sri Lanka past India to clinch their first title in the tournament.

Early Inspirations and Cricketing Roots

Harshitha’s journey began a decade ago as a 14-year-old inspired by Sri Lanka’s 2013 Women’s World Cup exploits. Watching the national team stun India and England sparked her dream to play at the highest level. Idolizing legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Shashikala Siriwardene, she found motivation in both male and female cricketing heroes.

Growing up in a sports-oriented family, with an athlete father and netball-playing mother, cricket was always part of her life. Childhood games in the streets and structured school programs at Gothami Balika Vidyalaya and Anula Vidyalaya laid the foundation for her future career.

The Path to the National Team

Harshitha’s rise began under the mentorship of coach Lalanga Rajapaksha, who guided her through school cricket despite the limited availability of hard-ball cricket at the time. Her consistent performances in Under-19 and age-group tournaments earned her a spot in Sri Lanka’s national development squad at just 15.

Her international debut came at the 2016 T20 World Cup in India when she was 17, but it took until 2019 for her to cement her place in the team.

Growth Through Guidance and Experience

Her club career, including stints with Colts Cricket Club and Navy Sports Club Women, helped refine her skills. Guidance from senior players such as Shashikala Siriwardene and Namal Seneviratne proved invaluable. In 2025, she scored 471 runs in nine matches during the Major Club 50-Over Tournament, helping Navy SC Women remain unbeaten.

Even with setbacks at major ICC tournaments, Harshitha continued to learn under Chamari Athapaththu’s mentorship. Exposure abroad, particularly her stint with Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League, offered her lessons in leadership and international competition.

A Leader in the Making

As senior players approach retirement, Harshitha is increasingly aware of her growing responsibilities. With a wave of young talent emerging, she aspires to emulate the guidance and support once offered to her, preparing to lead Sri Lanka in the future. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the team’s transition is in capable hands, with Harshitha at the heart of the next generation.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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