Inoka Ranaweera

Born on 18th February 1986, Inoka Ranaweera's journey from the cricketing heartlands of Sri Lanka to the international stage is one marked by resilience and tenacity. From the dusty local pitches of Galle, her hometown, she quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing a unique flair for the game that combined elegance and guile. Her passion for cricket was ignited in her childhood, where she honed her skills in the sun-drenched fields with her neighbourhood friends.

Ranaweera initially made her mark as a promising left-hand batswoman but truly excelled in her role as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. Her route to professional cricket was far from straightforward, demanding hard work and unparalleled dedication. Inoka made her much-anticipated international debut in 2009, heralding the arrival of a player who would come to epitomise the skill and heart of Sri Lankan women's cricket.

One of Inoka's standout achievements came in the 2014 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, where her crafty bowling was instrumental in Sri Lanka's successful campaign. Her exceptional ability to outwit batswomen with subtle changes in pace and flight made her a formidable figure on the field. The subsequent rise in her career saw her become a crucial element of the team's bowling attack.

Few matches, however, highlighted her prowess more vividly than the fiercely contested series against India in 2016. Armed with her spinning magic, she dismantled India's batting line-up, crafting a series of standout performances that underscored her importance to the team.

Ranaweera's playing style is often described as strategic and incisive. With the bat, her left-handed strokes are laced with precision, often coming through for her team in critical moments. On the bowling front, her slow left-arm deliveries are notorious for bamboozling opponents, turning both the pace of the game and the favour towards Sri Lanka.

One of the defining moments of her career came during the 2016 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, where her game-changing spells left audiences and opponents alike in awe. Her influence extends beyond individual matches; she embodies a spirit of perseverance, inspiring many young, aspiring cricketers back home.

Inoka Ranaweera's career is a testament to her indomitable spirit and exceptional cricketing acumen, leaving an indelible mark on the sport in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats