Bipin Dani
Santhul Wijeyarathne, the 13-year-old student of Nalanda College was not born when Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga first took 4 wickets in 4 balls (against South Africa in 2007) but he did watch live on TV when Malinga repeated the feat against New Zealand in 2019.
Santhul of Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Academy “did Malinga” in an Under-13 cricket match played against CCC Silver on Saturday. The match was played at St. Thomas College cricket ground in Kotte.
Interestingly, this is the second time Santhul got 4 in 4 as he had done the same in 2019 as well.
“It gave me a great feeling to do it twice just like Malinga as he is a legendary bowler. I was so proud to do what he has done against two world-class teams even though my performance came in a junior match”, speaking exclusively over the telephone, he said.
“I have always followed him in Sri Lanka and IPL matches.
I will be delighted if I can meet him one day. Though he is a bowler different to my bowling style (Santhul is a spinner), I’m sure he will give me some valuable tips”, he adds.
Santhul recently met Sanath Jayasuriya (at NCC) for some tips. “He encouraged me to play well. When he came to see our matches we were so happy and motivated.
I like to follow his batting style. I am so happy because I am also a left-hand opening batsman like him”.
Santhul will lead one of the teams of Sanath Jayasuriya Premier League starting in April. Santhul recently received the Best All Rounder award in the Nelson Mendis Annual Cricket Tournament.
