In a few overs into his Test debut, Tharindu Rathnayake has got everyone talking. Playing for Sri Lanka in Galle, this ambidextrous spinner has already picked up two big wickets – Shadman Islam and Mominul Haque – in the first session of Day 1 against Bangladesh. While everyone was focussed on Angelo Mathews’ farewell match, it’s actually the 29-year-old debutant who’s getting noticed.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and chose to bat, but it was Tharindu who showed his skills straight away. He got Shadman Islam for 14 and then Mominul Haque, who was looking dangerous with 29 off 33. His accurate spin bowling turned the tables and set the stage for a new story: the rise of a new star.
What sets Tharindu apart is his ambidextrous ability; he bowls left-arm spin but can also bowl right-arm off-spin with ease. Fast and precise, he’s not your typical newcomer. Plus he’s been performing well in domestic cricket for years.
He made his first-class debut in 2015 for the Sinhalese Sports Club and has been building a good record since then. In 73 first-class matches, he’s taken 337 wickets with an average of 29.30, including 26 five-fors and 5 ten-fors. His best figures are 9 for 65.
Tharindu also shines in white-ball cricket, taking 122 wickets in List A games and 73 in T20s with an economy rate of just over 6 in the shorter format. He knows how to bowl in all formats.
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And when it comes to batting? He can hit the ball too. He’s scored over 1700 runs in first-class cricket, including 9 fifties, making him a useful lower-order batsman.
Though he found his big break a bit late, at 29, Tharindu has finally got his Test cap and is already showing he’s ready for the big stage. Sri Lanka might have found their next big spin talent in Galle with a guy who can spin it both ways.At 52/3 in 19 overs, Tharindu Rathnayake has got the upper hand. And while Mathews’ farewell will be the headline, it’s the debutant who’s making today special.
