Founded in 2000, Baduraliya Sports Club does not boast the same sort of rich history and tradition that some of the other elite cricket clubs in Colombo. However, with a completely new squad and a coach who is focused on winning the championship, we may see them causing a few upsets and surprises along the way.
Key Players
Hailing from Kalutara Vidyalaya, 29-year-old Milinda Siriwardana will be leading the Baduraliya SC outfit. A more than capable operator with both bat and ball, the skipper has a first-class batting average of over 32 and an impressive bowling average of just over 29. Having played almost 80 matches, Milinda is looking forward to guiding this new-look squad, and hopes to improve his personal performances for the year as well.
Furthermore, in Gayan Sirisoma the club has another left arm orthodox bowler who, together with Milinda Siriwardana could form a lethal partnership. Sirisoma, who began his cricketing career at Dharmashoka College was one of the highest wicket takers in last year’s competition, and has captured 344 wickets at an average of 19.63.
In the batting department, players such as Amal Athulathmudali and Gihan Rupasinghe will be called upon to do the heavy lifting, assisted by the likes of Andy Solomons and Imesh Udayanga. Rupasinghe in his own right is a very accomplished player having scored over 3000 runs and averaging just under 35.
Young Blood
Having previously played for Sri Lanka Army SC, 23 year old Dushan Vimukthi is an exciting prospect to look out for. His right arm off breaks yielded him 12 scalps last year, and he is also a very capable middle-order batsman with a highest score of 174 runs.
Head Coach
Talented all-rounder Gayan Wijekoon is taking on the role of player-coach this season for the club. Wijekoon made his test debut in 2005 against the West Indies, and also represented the country in the inaugural Twenty20 championship held in South Africa. He explained that although it is not easy for a completely new squad to gel immediately, the practice sessions as well as the practice matches have helped the squad to build a good team spirit. Speaking to ThePapare.com Wijekoon stated that “Everyone in Sri Lanka has the talent. Only the mindset has to be mentored.”
Full Squad
Milinda Siriwardana – Left Hand Bat – Left Arm Orthodox
Amal Athulathmudali – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium
Tharaka Waduge – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Charitha Buddika – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Fast
Andy Solomons – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Kasun Rajitha – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Fast
Kavinda Silva – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Nimanda Madushanka – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Fast
Lassana Perera – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Leg Spin
Gihan Rupasinghe – Left Hand Bat – Right Arm Leg Spin
Krishan Dinidu – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Medium Fast
Dushan Vimukthi – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Mithun Jayawickrama – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Gayan Sirisoma – Right Hand Bat – Left Arm Orthodox
Imesh Udayanga – Right Hand Bat – Right Arm Off Spin
Suresh Niroshan – Right Hand Bat – Wicketkeeper
Gayan Wijekoon – Left Hand Bat – Left Arm Fast
Baduraliya SC Captain – Milinda Siriwardane
Baduraliya SC Coach – Gayan Wijekoon
