A born leader and natural cricketing mind
Still at 16, Kithma Withanapathirana poses matuarity of an international cricketer
Sri Lanka’s cricketing spirit was reignited when Under-17 national skipper Kithma Withanapathirana scored a brilliant century in the first three-day match against the visiting Bangladesh Under-17 team at the Galle International Cricket Stadium last week. The young cricketer, hailing from Ananda College, Colombo, displayed his immense talent with a dazzling knock of 164 runs the best innings of the series from just 132 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 124.24. His innings included 11 fours and nine towering sixes, a performance that was exceptional for a three-day match played in an unofficial Test format.
Kithma’s ability as a cricketer extends beyond his batting skills. He is also a bowler and, most importantly, a rapidly developing cricketing mind. His childhood coach, Sri Lanka first class cricketer Tharanga Dhammika, has always believed in Kithma’s potential, describing him as a player who stands out not only for his talent but also for his cricketing intelligence. Kithma’s approach to the game is mature, and his awareness on the field is something that sets him apart from many of his peers.
Even from a young age, Kithma displayed exceptional leadership qualities. By the age of 10, he was already captaining the Under-13 team at his private cricket academy. His understanding of the game, evident from his body language and actions, reflects a player with a deep knowledge of all three aspects of cricket: batting, bowling, and fielding. This holistic approach has been integral to his success and his leadership as captain.
Kithma’s discipline and commitment to his body are also a key part of his development. Unlike many young cricketers, he has never consumed carbonated soft drinks for the past seven years, being fully aware of the harm they can cause to an athlete’s body. His dedication to maintaining a healthy lifestyle extends to his diet, where he avoids artificial food and flavoured drinks to ensure his body remains in top condition for cricket.
His extraordinary achievements at a young age speak volumes about his potential. At just 13, Kithma scored 245 runs off 17 overs in a 25-over match, an outstanding performance for someone so young. As he progressed to the Under-15 level, his scores continued to impress—hundreds and fifties became part of his routine. He made his mark in the ‘Battle of Maroons’ school big matches against Nalanda College at the age of 14, scoring 93 runs in his first match and 76 in his second.
Kithma’s commitment to cricket goes beyond his personal achievements. Despite his family not being wealthy, they have supported his passion in every way they can, even providing him with an ice tab to soothe his tired legs after intense training sessions. His parents have always put his cricket above all, and Kithma’s discipline and focus reflect this sacrifice.
At just 16, Kithma’s positive approach to the game is evident in his batting strike rate, which is consistently above 100, a rare ability that allows him to turn a match in an instant. His performances in the recent Sri Lanka Under-23 Club Tournament for Bloomfield C&AC further highlight his skill and maturity. In the tournament, he scored 91 runs against Panadura SC and 67 runs against Colts, proving that he can hold his own against much older and more experienced players.
Kithma’s calm and composed nature, even in high-pressure situations, is another trait that sets him apart as a leader. Despite his young age, he shows remarkable maturity, both as a cricketer and as a captain. With every match, it becomes clearer that Kithma Withanapathirana is not just a talented player, but a future leader of Sri Lanka’s cricketing field.