**Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama Crowned ICC Players of the Month for August 2024**
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that Sri Lankan cricketers Dunith Wellalage and Harshitha Samarawickrama have been named the ICC Players of the Month for August 2024, marking a historic double for Sri Lanka. This rare achievement comes after both players delivered exceptional performances in their respective series, propelling them to the top of the cricketing world.
Wellalage’s standout display came during a home ODI series against India, where his all-round brilliance helped Sri Lanka secure a 2-0 series win. The 31-year-old left-hander contributed significantly with both bat and ball, scoring 67 not out, 39, and 2 in the series, while also taking seven wickets, including a stunning five-wicket haul (5 for 27) in the final match. His Player of the Series performance not only sealed the victory for his team but also earned him the prestigious ICC Player of the Month award. He was selected ahead of South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and West Indies’ Jayden Seales, who were also shortlisted for the honor.
This marks the fifth time a Sri Lankan player has won the men’s ICC Player of the Month award, with previous winners including Angelo Mathews (May 2022), Prabath Jayasuriya (July 2022), Wanindu Hasaranga (June 2023), and Kamindu Mendis (March 2024). Wellalage expressed his joy, stating, “This recognition gives me further strength to continue performing and contributing to my team’s success. It’s a great encouragement for young players like me.”
Meanwhile, Harshitha Samarawickrama earned her accolade following an extraordinary tour of Ireland, where she became only the third Sri Lankan woman to score a century in ODIs. The 26-year-old left-hander accumulated 151 runs in two T20Is at a remarkable strike rate of 169.66, including a match-winning knock of 86 not out off just 45 balls. She also shone in the ODIs, amassing 172 runs in three matches, with a brilliant century (105) in the second game.
Samarawickrama, who edged out Ireland’s Orla Prendergast and Gaby Lewis for the award, is only the second Sri Lankan woman to win this accolade. The first, captain Chamari Athapaththu, has won it three times this year alone—in May, July, and September 2024. Reflecting on her achievement, Samarawickrama said, “This recognition is a new high in my career and gives me a lot of confidence ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. I owe this to the incredible support of my teammates, coaches, family, and friends.”
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup just weeks away, Samarawickrama’s form will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances. Both Wellalage and Samarawickrama’s success on the global stage is a testament to Sri Lanka’s growing strength in international cricket, inspiring a new generation of players.
