With the Singer U19 Schools’ Division I Cricket Tournament 2016/17 going great guns, we have picked Tharusha Fernando from St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa as our fourth U19 Schools’ Cricketer of the Week after he became the third batsman from Division 1 to score a double-centurion this season.
Hailing from the cricket-crazy town of Moratuwa, Fernando smashed his way to a career-best knock, making 200 runs in 174 balls with 24 fours and 7 sixes against D.S Senanayake College in their drawn encounter at St. Sebastian’s College grounds.
Right-handed middle order batsman, Fernando walked into the middle when his team were 80 odd for 4 and saw two of his other partners succumbing to the pressure and being restricted to 119 for 6. He was then joined by Prashen Fernando and the pair put on 246 for the 7th wicket.
“It is the first time I reached triple figures, I am so happy that I converted my first century into a double century. After scoring 150 only I realized I could go for a double.” Tharusha expressed his views exclusively to ThePapare.com.
St. Sebastian’s College crowned U17 Cricket Champions
Fernando has missed out on a hundred on many occasions during his short cricket career so far having been dismissed in the 80s on more than 15 occassions prior to his mammoth innings last weekend. He described this knock as the ‘Most cherished’ innings of his life so far.
17-year old Fernando started playing this wonderful sport we all love, 7 years ago when he was in grade 5. Being an only child, Tharusha played backyard cricket with his father and his relatives at a quite tender age.
“I have always wanted to play cricket. It is my passion. I play every game with a lot of freedom and I always go out there with the attitude of winning each and every game I participate in.”
He led the St. Sebastian’s College Under 13 team in 2012 and the Under 15 team in 2014 where they lost the All Island final to Ananda College. He bettered his record in September this year as he successfully captained his team to Singer Under 17 Division I glory, beating Thurstan College in the final played at Moors Grounds. He even made 42 runs with the bat and captured 2 wickets in the final.
He made his first XI debut last season (2015/16) under the leadership of Sri Lanka cap Avishka Fernando where they ended up as Singer U19 Schools’ League Joint Champions and Limited Overs Champions. Tharusha made 775 runs with the bat and grabbed 35 wickets with his leg-spin during his maiden season.
A solid all-rounder, Fernando contributes to the team whenever possible with his leg-spin which could be very handy at times and he’s also a stunning fielder at any position. Tharusha’s best performance with the ball came in last season when he spun a web around St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, grabbing 6 for 39.
“When I get the opportunity to bat in the center wicket, I bat for about 30-45 minutes. If we don’t have practices in the middle, I play about 100 balls in the nets to maintain my timing and form. When it comes to bowling, I bowl about 30-40 deliveries to the batsmen at practices and do spot bowling for an hour. I quite enjoy each and every practice session.” Tharusha said, speaking on his training schedule.
Fernando’s cricketing hero is none other than Kumar Sangakkara which is not surprising as the great batting legend is the hero of millions of youngsters all around the world. With another school season up his sleeve, Tharusha aims of crossing the 1000-run mark this season and grab 50 scalps while helping his alma mater win each and every championship.
“My words are not enough to thank my parents who have helped me all along the way and my special gratitude goes out to all past and present coaches, teachers, friends, team mates and old-boys at St. Sebastian’s College for the never-ending support.” Tharusha said.
He is currently in the 25-member Sri Lanka U19 preliminary squad for the forthcoming U19 Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in December.
“My aim is to play for Sri Lanka U19s in the recent future and someday represent Sri Lanka at the highest level” Tharusha spoke on his aspirations for the future.
While thanking him for his time, we wish Tharusha Fernando all the very best for his future endavours.
