Maliyadeva’s Premadasa first to 1000-run mark | Sunday Observer

Maliyadeva’s Premadasa first to 1000-run mark

16 February, 2020
Muditha Premadasa
Muditha Premadasa

When a batsman scores runs consistently for two seasons it is considered a very great achievement. Muditha Premadasa from Maliaydeva College, Kurunegala is the batsman who has produced this superb performance to complete a thousand runs and becoming the first schoolboy cricketer to reach the milestone this season.

What is more significant is that he has scored a thousand runs in two consecutive seasons.

A left handed batsman cum wicket-keeper, Premadasa has already scored 1024 runs from 11 matches at an average of 60.23 that includes three centuries and five half centuries with the highest being 197 against Devapathiraja College, Ratgama which he rates as his best innings so far.

Last season Premadasa achieved this milestone with two tons, five half centuries and it

took 15 matches. This time it took only 11 matches with scores of 197, 183 not out against St. Servatius and 119 against Ananda College.

“The secret behind this success is due to my dedication and regular practice to develop my skills. After scoring a thousand runs last season I grew in confidence to score runs. We have another four more matches including the big match and my target is to pass the 1300 run mark,” said Premadasa.

A fourth year coloursman, Premadasa joined Maliyadeva from grade one and his cricket career began from grade three with the under-13 team.

His first coach was the experienced Rohan Deerasuriya who has produced many talented cricketers from Kurunegala. Nalin Bandara and the present coach Champika Siriwardena have also contributed towards Premadasa’s guidance.

He has even scored a thousand runs during the under-13 age group tournament and continued to score heavily in all age groups.

“I used to play as a wicket-keeper and number three batsman from the start. Being a wicket-keeper helps to get a good eye on the ball. I was able to win the best fielder’s award twice last season,” said Premadasa.

His favourite cricketer is Kumar Sangakkara.

“I was selected to the national under-19 pool where we practice for long hours. Coach Hashan Tillekeratne guided me to develop my skills. With my experience I want to embark on a long journey,” said Premadasa who was captain of the under 19 College side last year.

Being a leading batsman Premadasa plans to move to Colombo and play club cricket after leaving school.

“I know I have a long way to go if I am to have a place in the national cricket team which is my ultimate aim,” said Premadasa.

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