Sri Lanka's Harshitha Samarawickrama has been honored with the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for August, triumphing over Ireland’s Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis. This accolade underscores Samarawickrama’s stellar performances across various formats throughout the month, marking a significant milestone in her career.
The 26-year-old left-handed batter emerged as a standout player during the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, held on home soil in Sri Lanka. Her contributions were pivotal in guiding her team to victory in the tournament. In the final match against India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Samarawickrama delivered an unbeaten 69 off 51 balls. This innings played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's eight-wicket win over India, securing the championship and showcasing her prowess under pressure.
Following the Asia Cup, Samarawickrama's form continued to impress during Sri Lanka’s tour of Ireland. In the T20I series, she scored an unbeaten 86 and 65 in the two matches, demonstrating her skill and consistency. These performances not only made her the leading run-scorer for both teams but also highlighted her ability to perform exceptionally well in different conditions.
In addition to her T20I success, Samarawickrama was outstanding in the three-match ODI series against Ireland. She finished as the top run-scorer of the series, accumulating 172 runs at an average of 86 and a strike rate of 82.69. Her scores of 19, 105, and 48* showcased her ability to adapt to varying match situations and contribute significantly to her team’s success.
Expressing her joy and gratitude upon receiving the award, Harshitha Samarawickrama said, “I am extremely happy with this recognition, which I consider a new high in my career. It certainly gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the big competition, the Women’s T20 World Cup.” She extended her thanks to her teammates, coaches, family, and friends, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her journey.
Samarawickrama also took the opportunity to commend her fellow nominees for the Player of the Month award, recognizing their immense talent and the competitive nature of the game. Her career statistics further reflect her consistent performance, with 739 runs in 33 ODIs and 1463 runs in 65 T20Is, including one century and nine fifties.
As Harshitha Samarawickrama prepares for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), she remains focused on maintaining her exceptional form and contributing to her team’s success in the prestigious tournament. Her recent performances have set a high standard, and she is expected to be a key player in the global competition.
