Sri Lanka Cricket segment ‘B’ 2017/18 is set to begin on the 15th December. Let’s take a closer look at the 9 men who will be leading their respective clubs in the tournament.
Key transfers ahead of the 2017/18 Domestic Cricket Season
The tier ‘A’ segment of the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) domestic..
- Damitha Hunukubura – Galle CC
The veteran left-hander Hunukubura, known as ‘Hunu’ will lead the Galle CC outfit this season. The former Maliyadeva wicket-keeper batsman has played 152 first-class matches, accumulating over 7500 runs to give the Galle lads the experience they need. The domestic hero ‘Hunu’ has a huge task to top the table and move back into the top tier this year since they were the team that got demoted from tier ‘A’ last season.
- Rajeewa Weerasinghe – Lankan CC
The 30-year old, right arm off-spinner represented the Sri Lanka U19s a decade ago and since then has played 53 first-class matches, taking 178 wickets. He was named the Best All-rounder at the Dialog Cricket Awards for scoring 250 runs and claiming 45 wickets during the 2016/17 season. The former Josephian skipper will be aiming to clinch the title this season with a bunch of quality domestic players at his disposal.
- Shashrika Pussegolla – Panadura SC
Dynamic all-rounder Shashrika is a stylish right-hander and a capable candidate to lead the Panadura boys in the SLC tier ‘B’ tournament this season. The former Thomian has 53 first-class matches under his belt and will look to keep the inexperienced Panadura lads in the hunt for the title.
Know your ‘Tier A’ Club Captains 2017/18
As the SLC Premier League Tournament 2017/18 is set to begin..
- Raju Gayashan – SL Air Force SC
Left-hander Raju Gayashan from Moratuwa, will lead the Sri Lanka Air Force this season. Aged 29, Gayashan is one of the more experienced players in the domestic arena, capable of making match winning contributions on his day. He is heading towards the 3000-first-class run mark and will look to upset the title contenders with a young and committed outfit.
- Nilushan Nonis – Kalutara TC
Former Mazenodian hero Nonis is a genuine all-rounder in the first-class circuit. The 30-year old right-hander is leading Kalutara town for the first time and the team is one of the favourites for the title with some promising new recruits this year. He has a 30 plus batting average in 54 first-class matches and is the ideal man for the captaincy job at KTC.
- Umega Chathuranga – Negombo CC
The 33-year old slow left-arm spinner known as ‘AB’ is tipped to lead the new comers this season. Umega has over 100 first-class wickets to his name from 31 matches and will be the man to watch out for from Negombo. Negombo CC will have a daunting task to stay in the competition next season.
- Asith Weerasuriya
The right-arm off spinner Asith is a talented all-rounder. He has a decent record in the domestic arena but is yet to deliver the goods with the ball in hand. The Navy lads are missing their big names from last season and will look to keep their status in segment ‘B’.
- Hashan Prabath – KYCC
The former Maliyadeva right-hander Prabath has been given the responsibility to handle the Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club for the upcoming season. He was named the Best Batsman at the Dialog Cricket Awards 2016/17 for his spectacular efforts during last season. 25-year old Prabath will be hoping to repeat last season’s heroics this time around as well.
- Palitha Kumara – Police SC
The 36-year-old right-hander is a hard-hitting opening batsman, who can change the game at the top of the order with his attacking methods. He made his first-class debut back in 2008 but has only played 11 matches up to date. Kumara the opener has not lived up to his potential and will take captaincy as a challenge to perform better this season.
