Shashikala Siriwardene

Shashikala Siriwardene
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Offbreak
Date of Birth: 1985-02-14 Age: 40

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on 14 February 1985, Shashikala Siriwardene embarked on her cricketing journey from her hometown in Sri Lanka, where her passion for the game blossomed in the bustling lanes of Colombo. From a tender age, her prowess with both bat and ball set her apart. Her early years were marked by endless hours at the local cricket clubs, honing a talent that would soon catch the eyes of selectors and take her from promising youth to cornerstone of the national team.

Making her professional debut for the Sri Lankan national side in 2003, Siriwardene swiftly established herself as an allrounder of remarkable capability. With a right-hand batting style that blended elegance with aggression and a deceptively subtle right-arm offbreak bowling technique, she was a player whose versatility added significant depth to her team. Over the years, Siriwardene became a linchpin in Sri Lanka's cricketing line-up, rising to the role of captaincy with grace and authority.

Among the many accolades in her illustrious career, the Asia Cup triumph in 2008 remains a highlight. As a pivotal member of the squad, she was instrumental in leading Sri Lanka to victory, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure. A notable record saw her becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to reach the milestone of 1,000 runs alongside 100 wickets in ODIs, a testament to her allround brilliance and unwavering dedication to the game.

Siriwardene’s encounters with teams like India and Australia were always anticipated thrillers. These contests often drew out her fiercest performances, with several memorable innings and spells that turned matches on their heads. Amongst these, her performance against India in the Women’s Asia Cup 2006, where her tactical nous and inspiring leadership were integral in a historic win over their arch-rivals, stands particularly poignant.

While her career had its share of ups and downs, the skill and sportsmanship displayed across these pivotal matches left a lasting impact on women's cricket, enriching the game with her resilience and passion. Even as she hung up her boots after the 2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Siriwardene's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of cricketers, underlining her indelible contribution to Sri Lankan cricket.