Sameera Weerabahu

Born on 21 September 1985 in the lush landscapes of Matara, Sri Lanka, Sameera Weerabahu grew up with a cricket bat in one hand and big dreams in his heart. With the rhythmic sound of the Indian Ocean as his backdrop, Sameera spent countless hours on the local grounds, honing his skills as a right-arm fast bowler. His natural flair and sheer love for the game saw him quickly rise through the ranks, catching the eye of local scouts with his fiery pace and lethal accuracy.

Sameera's talent couldn't be contained for long. He made his professional debut in the domestic circuit at the tender age of 19. His initial performances were nothing short of sensational, consistently rattling the stumps with his aggressive bowling. It wasn't long before he donned the national colours, making his international debut against Pakistan in 2006, a debut marked by his fearless attitude and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Over the years, Sameera became a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Known for his searing yorkers and clever changes of pace, he could dismantle any batting order on his day. The 2011 World Cup was a pivotal chapter in his career, where he played a crucial role in leading Sri Lanka to the finals, famously defending a paltry score against South Africa with a devastating spell that included a hat-trick.

Records tumbled and milestones were set. Sameera's remarkable achievements included becoming the youngest Sri Lankan to reach 200 ODI wickets and recording the most five-wicket hauls by a Sri Lankan fast bowler in test cricket history. His fiery rivalry with India's top batsmen became the stuff of legend, with each encounter a gritty battle for supremacy, captivating fans and critics alike.

Even beyond the statistical accomplishments, Sameera left an indelible mark on the game with his fierce determination and sportsmanship. His batting, albeit secondary to his bowling, was characterised by a gutsy lower-order resilience, often adding crucial runs when his team needed it most.

One of the defining moments of Sameera’s career came during a test match in Galle against England in 2014. Displaying his mastery over swinging the ball in humid conditions, he decimated the English top order, leading his team to a memorable victory that solidified his standing as one of cricket's finest fast bowlers. In every sense, Sameera Weerabahu had not only written his name in the annals of cricketing history but had also etched it in the hearts of fans across the globe.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats