Nationality: Sri Lanka
Position: Bowler
Batting Style: Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Slow Left Arm Orthodox
Date of Birth: 1990-10-05 Age: 34
Sugandika Kumari, born on the 5th of October, 1990, made her mark in the world of cricket as a dedicated bowler who enchanted fans with her slow left-arm orthodox deliveries. Growing up in the cricket-loving precincts of Sri Lanka, Sugandika's journey into the professional sphere is a testament to her resilience and natural talent. Her ascent began in local districts, playing barefoot with her siblings and friends, where matted pitches and scorching sun were both foe and friend.
As a child, Sugandika's intense dedication to the game caught the eye of a local coach, who encouraged her to switch from batting to bowling, recognising the flicker of potential in her unrefined, yet promising arm action. Her adaptability and prowess led to her selection in district teams, which eventually paved her way into the national set-up. It was there she honed her craft, enhancing her turn and understanding of pitch conditions, eventually making her debut for the Sri Lankan women's team in early 2012.
Though her career has been adorned with several feats, two paramount achievements stand out. In 2017, during a series against the formidable Indian side, Sugandika recorded career-best figures to help Sri Lanka secure a historic win, snagging 6 wickets for just 45 runs—a performance that etched her name in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket. In 2018, her contribution to the team's record-breaking series win against Pakistan also remains memorable, reinforcing a budding rivalry that brought the best out of both teams.
Sugandika thrives on guile and control rather than sheer pace. Her slow left-arm deliveries are not just tactical but poetic—a sight to behold as they arc beautifully through the air, often deceiving batters with subtle variations in flight and turn. Though not renowned for her batting, she has often played crucial, gritty innings lower down the order to steady shaky innings, using her left-handed stance to unsettle bowlers.
A defining moment in Sugandika's career came during the 2019 ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, where she bowled a remarkable spell to topple hosts South Africa. Her influence was not just bound to numbers but extended to mentoring young cricketers within the team, guiding several through the intricacies of left-arm spin bowling. She articulated her craft with diligence and passion, leaving an undeniable imprint on the next generation of Sri Lankan cricket. Sugandika Kumari's story is not just one of individual triumph but a narrative intertwined with the growth and spirit of women's cricket in Sri Lanka.
Batting Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 6s | 4s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 31 | 20 | 6 | 60 | 10 | 3.00 | 95 | 63.16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| ODI | 13 | 7 | 2 | 46 | 18 | 6.57 | 90 | 51.11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Bowling Stats
| Format | Mat | Inns | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Ave | Econ | Wide | NoBall | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | 46 | 46 | 31 | 940 | 151.3 | 30.32 | 6.21 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODI | 15 | 14 | 13 | 553 | 103 | 42.54 | 5.37 | 32 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Last updated: 2025-03-17
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