Harshitha Samarawickrama: Sri Lanka's Emerging Cricket Star

Harshitha Samarawickrama is emerging as a key leader for the Sri Lankan women's cricket team. At 27, she is a consistent performer, boasting over 1,000 runs in both white-ball formats and is seen as a future captain. Her influence grew significantly after leading Sri Lanka to their maiden T20 Asia Cup title against India in Dambulla, a moment that transformed her into a national icon.

Samarawickrama's cricketing journey began at age 14, inspired by the 2013 Women's World Cup and idols like Kumar Sangakkara and Shashikala Siriwardene. She honed her skills through school cricket and early structured pathways, making her international debut at 17 in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Her development was further shaped by club cricket and mentorship from senior players.

Having recently played in the Caribbean Premier League, Samarawickrama gained invaluable experience alongside international stars. As senior players prepare to retire, she embraces her growing responsibility, aiming to guide the next generation of talent towards the 2026 T20 World Cup and beyond, ushering in a new era for Sri Lankan cricket.