Age is often seen as a barrier, but cricketers like Udeshika Prabodhani continually prove that it’s nothing more than a number. As the oldest Sri Lankan cricketer to grace the Women’s World Cup stage, Prabodhani is poised to make her presence felt once again in the upcoming ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Born on September 20, 1985, Prabodhani has just turned 39, and instead of slowing down, she’s gearing up for another World Cup campaign. Her left-arm medium pace bowling has been a vital asset to the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team for years. Since her T20I debut in the 2009 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan, she has not only become a seasoned campaigner but also the most capped Sri Lankan in T20 World Cup history, with 25 matches under her belt.
Her World Cup journey has been one of consistency and determination. Prabodhani’s 21 wickets at this prestigious tournament, with the best of 2/6 against Bangladesh in 2018, demonstrate her knack for delivering in crucial moments. With each World Cup appearance, she has showcased her bowling prowess. She has even played more matches at the T20 World Cup than star players like Chamari Athapaththu, who follows with 22 matches.
In 2024, Prabodhani has shown no signs of slowing down. Playing 13 matches and taking 14 wickets with the personal best of 3/13 against Ireland, she’s in great form heading into the tournament. With a career tally of 102 T20Is and 80 wickets, she remains a crucial cog in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
As Sri Lanka prepares for Group A, where they will face tough opposition like Pakistan, Australia, India, and New Zealand, Prabodhani’s experience and skill will be essential in guiding the team through.
In a tournament where youth and energy often steal the spotlight, Udeshika Prabodhani stands as a shining example that age, indeed, is just a number. With her experience, Sri Lanka will be aiming for nothing short of a remarkable campaign.
