Run-maker Rajapaksa’s early start

Banuka Rajapaksa’s cricketing talents were recognized early by his coaches in Sri Lanka – but it was his great-grandmother who first introduced him to the game.
“When I was very small she was the first person to throw a ball at me and encourage me to play cricket,” said Banuka. “Sadly she passed away five years ago.”
But that first introduction to the game paid off early, with Banuka quickly making his mark as a young talent. “I played a lot with other children in the ‘neighbourhood and by the time I was 11 and in grade five I played for the CCC club, then I started to get selected into age group sides”.
Rajapaksa has come through a rich Sri Lanka cricketing school tradition by attending Royal College, where he still is a student, while he now plays for the famous Sinhalese Cricket Club.
The dashing left-hander has made his mark at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. After the semi-finals he was ranked fourth highest run-scorer at the tournament with 210 runs at an average of 52.5, often scoring in bowler-friendly conditions.
His Man of the Match-winning 79 from 78 balls against South Africa in the knockout quarter final was an innings of bravery. The conditions were cold and the ball seamed around but Rajapaksa relied on his instincts and his naturally aggressive but elegant shot selection set up Sri Lanka’s 146 run victory.
The 18-year old Rajapaksa has developed such a reputation back home that some cricket blogs in Sri Lanka are already calling for him to progress into the top national side.
Banuka would love to make it to that level, but he’s not in a hurry just yet. “Last year I made my first class debut in a Twenty20 match, I scored 15, not that good but something to build on.”
Rajapaksa has adjusted to the New Zealand conditions and wickets well at the World Cup, but says the seamer-friendly pitches are keeping him on his toes. “I prefer to face pace bowling, and here in Christchurch the wickets suit pace bowlers and it seams all around so I must watch carefully.”
Another great experience on this trip has been having Sri Lanka cricketing legend Aravinda de Silva on hand as part of the squad’s support team. “I am so very lucky he is with us and giving us advice,” said Banuka. “It is tremendous to be coached by him – I never expected in all my life to be in a team with Aravinda.”
As for the best advice he’s picked up from Aravinda, Banuka responded: “Keep my body steady, keep my balance and be a bit cautious when I go out there.”