Rising Star of Sri Lankan Cricket: A 14-Year-Old All-Rounder Making Waves
At just 14 years old, Charana Chanupathi Malimbada from Sooriyawewa National School has already made a name for himself as one of the most promising young cricketers in Sri Lanka. Known for his all-round abilities, Charana has been instrumental in leading his school team to numerous victories. His performance in the under-15 season has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his potential as both a batsman and a bowler.
Exceptional Batting and Bowling Records
Charana has consistently delivered outstanding performances with the bat, scoring an impressive total of 656 runs in five matches during the current under-15 season. This includes four centuries and one half-century, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure. On the bowling front, he has taken 27 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls with his right-arm off-spin. These achievements have solidified his reputation as a versatile player who can change the course of a match with either bat or ball.
Early Passion for Cricket
Charana's passion for cricket was evident at a very young age. His father, Somaratne Malimbada, recognized his talent when he was just 4 or 5 years old. Although not a qualified coach, he provided informal lessons in batting and bowling, which helped lay the foundation for Charana’s future success. His early exposure to the sport played a crucial role in shaping his skills and determination.
A Promising Start in School Cricket
In 2020, Charana was admitted to Namadagaswewa National School, where he played under the guidance of coach C.K. Hewamanna. His first under-13 match against Embilipitiya Chandrikawewa Jayanthi NS was a defining moment. He scored an unbeaten 232 runs off 73 balls and took six wickets (6/17). In his next match against St. Mary's College, Hambantota, he continued his stellar form by scoring 124 runs and taking eight wickets (8/24).
By the end of his first under-13 season, Charana had amassed 432 runs in five matches, with 24 wickets to his name. His fielding skills, particularly at slips and covers, further enhanced his value to the team.
Advancing to Sooriyawewa National School
Due to his exceptional performance, Charana was admitted to Sooriyawewa National School in 2023. There, he quickly proved his mettle. In his first match, he scored an unbeaten 120 off 84 balls and took 11 wickets against Kanumuldeniya MV. His second double century came against D.A. Rajapaksha NS, where he scored 204 runs in 134 balls and took two wickets in the same match.
Dominating the Under-15 Season
This season, Charana has continued to shine. He has recorded centuries against several strong teams, including Hathporuwa M.V (156 runs), Tangalle Boys NS (182 runs), Udamalala MV (162 runs), and Nakulugamuwa Gamini MV (147 runs). Additionally, he has scored a half-century of 57 runs against St. Mary's College Hambantota.
His bowling has also been impactful, with two five-wicket hauls against Nakulugamuwa Gamini MV (5/19) and Hathporuwa MV (5/25 and 4/14). These performances have helped Sooriyawewa NS secure four outright wins and a first-innings victory over St. Mary's College Hambantota.
National Recognition and Future Ambitions
Charana's all-round performances have not gone unnoticed at the national level. He has been invited to play for Wesley College, Colombo’s first XI team as a compulsory under-15 player. He will move to Colombo at the end of this season, marking a significant step in his cricketing journey.
Support System and Personal Goals
Charana credits his family for their unwavering support. His father, mother J.M. Sureka Chandani, who is a teacher at Sooriyawewa NS, and his eldest sister Guwani Gayansa, a talented cricketer who represented the Hambantota District women’s team in 2024, have been a constant source of encouragement.
He also thanked his school coach Ruwan Jayalath, MIC Asanka Priyanandan, and principal S. P. Rosairo for their continued support. When asked about his future plans, Charana expressed his desire to represent the national team but emphasized that his main ambition is to become a renowned international cricket coach.