Airmen Continue to Fight At The Top

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The Royal Air force who had established themselves in Sri Lanka before independence up until the 1960’s introduced cricket within their ranks, which is simple  evidence that the Air force has been involved in cricket for quite some time.

Since then, the Sri Lanka Air force Cricket has gone on to participate in all major tournaments such as the P. Saravanamuttu Trophy, Donovan Andree Trophy, Daily News Trophy and the current tournaments as well.

Having played in the Donovan Andree segment in the early 70’s, the Air force made their  way into the Saravanamuttu Trophy in 1981, and has been an important entity in Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket culture.

In 1983, the Air Force Cricket took a step backwards due to various national duties that had to be attended to, and once most issues were settled the then Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka allowed the Air force to take part in the Saravanamuttu Trophy as a gesture of good will, on the condition that the future would depend on the quality of the performances.

Having survived the challenge, Air force Cricket has remained as a top club, and has established themselves to be one of the best fourteen teams, with the highest ranking being fifth overall.

Chamila Gamage, Susil Fernando, Air Commodore Senaka Agulugama and Air Commodore Sanjaka Wijemanna are just a few important figures produced by Air force who have contributed immensely to the domestic and national level cricket in Sri Lanka.

Experienced Ajith Kumara to Lead

Having made his first class debut in 2000, Ajith Kumara has scored over 3000 first class runs in his career and leads by example. Hailing from Dharmapala College – Pannipitiya,  the right handed batsmen is also capable with putting in an odd over or two with some right arm medium paced bowling.

Speaking to ThePapare.com  Ajith said ‘We have been playing well in the past, we need to strengthen our performance in the middle order and improve our finishing which has been our weakness. Looking at the season, we are hoping to play some good cricket; we have been preparing for two months. We don’t have star players, all of our players are average but we work as a team and are proud to play for Air force Cricket.’ he further added.

The Batting

Thuppahi Nadeera and Sajith Kalumpriya more often than not open the batting together. These two youngsters have set the platform for many innings this season and will be bright prospects for Air Force in the future as well. Kalumpriya also keeps wickets for the team.

Lahiru Sri Lakmal, Dushan Vimukthi, Achira Eranga and Akila Isanka make rest of the middle order along with their captain Ajith.  All four players have an average around 24, and have the best of their careers ahead of them, as this team will look to capitalize on the understanding that could be built around each player.

The Bowling

Gihan Dilruk will fill in as a crucial all rounder, and also has plenty of experience with over 1000 runs and 50 wickets under his belt. Pishan Hewage will be the essential right arm off spinner within the ranks, while the left hand –right hand combination of Sahan Jayawardene and Lasanda Rukmal will share the new ball for Air force.

Speaking to ThePapare.com Air Commodore Wijemanna stated‘In the new tournament structure, we are deemed to be one of the best fourteen teams, this is a big challenge for us because in Sri Lanka there are many contracted players in clubs, but at Air force you need to be enlisted and we cannot afford inflated salaries and be in the market for good players. However, we stick to our beliefs that we can groom our own, and the cohesion that is developed through it helps our teams as well. 

‘We have a lot of support from the Commander of the Air force who brought forward the regulation that we have to enlist players who are representing the Air force in sports. I think it is a very good move, as they also play with feeling for their organizations to win a match.’ He further added

Squad

1. Air Craftsman Pavithra PKN

2. Corporal Bandara JMDD

3. Air Craftsman Jayawardena MSL

4. Air Craftsman De Silva GSK

5. Squadron Leader KA Kumara

6. Air Craftsman Bulathwala BWKS

7. Leading Air Craftsman Eranga WKA

8. Dushan Vimukthi

9. Leading Air Craftsman Karunarathne DMAD

10. Air Craftsman Sandaruwan PWB

11. Leading Air Craftsman Rukmal KL

12. Leading Air Craftsman Nadeera T

13. Air Craftsman Hewage PC

14. Leading Air Craftsman Ishanka DHA

15. Air Craftsman Perera MK

16. Leading Air Craftsman Rangika WWS