Slinfold is pleased to confirm the re-signing of Sri Lankan quick Rajinda Punchihewa for their 2023 Sussex League campaign.
Punchihewa was a late-comer to the domestic game – finally breaking into professional cricket in December 2019, whilst into his late-20s.
He made an immediate impression, and subsequently cemented his spot in the Kalutara Town side, across all formats. Unfortunately, COVID struck but he has since returned to the domestic fold, playing for Chilaw Marians Cricket Club throughout the 2022/23 season.
A seamer known to bowl a heavy ball, his exclusion from domestic cricket was a surprise especially given Punchihewa was a member of Sri Lanka’s National Fast-Bowling Squad back in 2012/13. However, he has made up for lost time and is now looking for another big summer when domestic cricket resumes in 2021/22.
Whilst known for his pace bowling, Punchihewa is also a hard-hitting batter in the middle-lower order, who has produced some very useful innings in both first-class (37) and List A (27*) cricket.
The Sri Lankan bowling spent the 2022 season playing for Slinfold in the Sussex League. He bagged 34 wickets at 15.94 to evidence his skills with the ball, in particular.
Given his success, the club was swift to re-sign their Sri Lankan star for a second stint in 2023.
