Bandara twins played against each other in Big Match
Sachin Bandara played School Cricket as a left-arm spinning all rounder for his alma mater D.S.Senanayake College Colombo 1st XI team in the inter-schools ‘A’ Division Cricket tournament in 2016.
He also had the distinction of representing Sri Lanka national under 17 team and was in the Sri Lanka national spinning squad for six years, representing Sri Lanka emerging Cricket team. Sachin and twin brother Sandun Bandara represented the 1st XI cricket teams of D.S.Senanayake and Mahanama College and to date became the only twins to compete against each other in a big match in Sri Lanka.
Incidentally he is the twin brother of Mahanama College all rounder Sandun Bandara and the elder brother of Sri Lanka national under 19 wicket keeper/batsman Anjala Bandara.
Speaking to Daily News, Sachin said “Because I have always loved cricket since my childhood, ultimately made me enter the world of sports”. “My Mother and Father were with me all the time supporting me right throughout. Hence I’m always grateful to both of them“.
“I chose Cricket because ever since I was small I used to see kids playing cricket every day at the ground which is near my house and when I saw cricket matches on TV that made me love the game even more. And I thought I will do the same one day. I too would achieve this height. That’s the reason why I chose to play Cricket”.
“Throughout my entire life, my mom, dad and my two brothers have been my priorities”. “I like to go home to my family because currently, I am residing in Colombo and that’s my favourite holiday destination
“The first day my younger brother (Anjala Bandara) played for the Sri Lanka under-19 national Cricket team and the day we became the first twins to play a major cricket big match (D.S.S.C-Mahanama) in the history of School cricket in the opposite teams to date. Those are my most unforgettable incidents and I really cherish those moments”.
“The best compliment I have received was – the coach said that one day I will become a wicket taking bowler like Rangana Herath”. “I always compare myself with the best player on my playing team and my favourite Cricketers are Rangana Herath and Virat Kohli” I’m definitely happy with all my achievements. But I know that I can do more, so I work hard for it. “It’s really hard to be a Cricketer, nothing is easy. But if we are dedicated to it, if we can set aside our time for it, at the end of the day, that’s the only thing that matters”.
“So far my greatest accomplishments are getting selected to the National Spinners’ Squad and Under-17 National Cricket Squad. Also the day D.S.S were crowned Champions of the Under-19 Schools First XI ODI Cricket Tournament”.
“I do what I think is best. Because I trust myself a lot and I’m a player who has won a lot of matches. And I’m responsible for everything I say and do. Also I am responsible for all the mistakes I make on the ground as well”.
“My most embarrassing moment on the Cricket field was – Getting out on the first ball in my last big match I played for my school”. “In life, I would like to describe myself as a funny and humble person and when I grew up I wanted to be a wicket taking bowler in Sri Lanka. That’s my ambition”.
“On a concluding note I want to especially thank the schools I attended throughout the years St. Thomas’ College – Matale and D.S. Senanayake College – Colombo. Also there is a group of people I especially need to thank all my coaches from junior level to national level and my aunt Chulanthi and uncle Kapila were also very supportive, providing accommodation until the end of my School Cricket career. From then onwards until now I have been living in my best friends’ Kanishka and Kaveesha’s house. Also need to thank their parents, aunty Ruwani and uncle Priyantha for taking care of me just like my parents would”.
“Also my cousin brother Indika Padma Bandara is the one who supports me by buying everything I need and giving me all the mental support I need as well. Undoubtedly he is my strength. Also I will not forget to thank every team member of all the teams that I have played thus far and the supporting staff, trainers and baggage boys”.
“Finally, my mother and father are very supportive of all three of us. If the three of us have achieved something in life today, the credit must definitely go to them. All of my friends also give me great support; hence I want to thank everyone who at least wished me with a word, hence I’m eternally grateful to all of them.