Rajinda Punchihewa

Rajinda Punchihewa is a seasoned right-arm quick who leads the attack for Chilaw Marians Cricket Club in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit. A genuine strike bowler with the ability to generate steep bounce and movement, he produced a career-best performance in November 2023, ripping through Tamil Union with figures of 7-50 from 20.5 overs.

A late arrival to the professional scene, Punchihewa debuted in December 2019 with Kalutara Town while in his late twenties, quickly establishing himself across all formats before COVID interrupted his momentum. Returning in 2022/23 with Chilaw Marians, he made an immediate impact, taking 10 wickets at 20.80 and reaffirming the potential once recognised when he was part of Sri Lanka’s National Fast-Bowling Squad in 2012/13.

While his pace bowling is his calling card, Punchihewa is also a capable lower-order hitter, with valuable knocks in both first-class (37) and List A (27*) cricket. His overseas stints have been equally impressive—two standout seasons with Slinfold in the Sussex League saw him claim 70 wickets at 14.31 and contribute 351 runs, while in 2025 he added a further 23 wickets at 20.52 for Heaton in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

Reliable, aggressive, and experienced, Punchihewa remains a quality performer and is hungry for another UK campaign in 2026.