Thikshila de Silva

Thikshila de Silva is a strongly-built batting all-rounder, who is regarded as one of the most explosive (and biggest six-hitting) batsmen in Sri Lankan domestic cricket.

Courtesy of his domestic exploits he earned national selection in January 2017, playing 3 T20 internationals against South Africa. Surprisingly though, he hasn't featured since.

Nevertheless, he remains one of the most destructive all-rounders on the circuit, and now boasts over 4,000 runs and 150-plus wickets across the three domestic formats.

The diminutive left-hander has domestic career strike rates of 81.24 (FC), 96.49 (List A), and 150.55 (T20), and has been one of Chilaw Marian's key performers in recent years.

De Silva has also been a stand-out in England during his 3 stints with Great Harwood in the Lancashire League (2019, 2021, 2022). During this period, including League, T20, and Worsley Cup fixtures, De Silva has churned out 3,207 runs at 45.81 alongside 162 wickets at 18.75.

In 2021, in particular, de Silva was one of league cricket's most prolific professionals. For Great Harwood alone he struck 1,350 runs at 56.25 alongside 72 wickets at 15.87 to finish second on the Lancashire League run and wicket charts. He was also an exceptional performer elsewhere playing various sub-pro games with success.

His season highlight came in a Lancashire League game against Bacup, producing arguably the League's most destructive innings in history. De Silva belted an undefeated 219 from only 126 balls including 17 fours, and 15 sixes.

Unsurprisingly, given his success over the past three seasons, Great Harwood was very quick to re-sign their Sri Lankan superstar for 2023, concluding negotiations mid-way through the season. No doubt the club will be hoping for more fireworks next summer.