Name:

Samarasekera, Johanne A

Date of Birth:

22 Feb 1968

Gender:

Men

Place of Birth:

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Teams:

UAE (Associate)

Arjuna Ranatunga: Capturing the 1996 World Cup (1 of 3)

Johanne Abeyratne Samarasekera, born in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 22 February 1968, began his cricketing journey playing twelve first-class matches for Colombo Cricket Club during the late 1980s. He was known as a right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler, showing early promise in Sri Lanka's domestic circuit. Seeking new opportunities, Samarasekera emigrated to the United Arab Emirates, where his career gained international traction.

​After settling in the UAE, Samarasekera became a key member of the national side from the early 1990s. He featured in the 1994 Pepsi Austral-Asia Cup in Sharjah, marking his One Day International debut, and played a significant role in the 1994 ICC Trophy, where his impressive haul of 18 wickets earned him the accolade of best bowler of the tournament. His performances helped the UAE maintain a competitive edge among emerging cricket nations.

​Samarasekera continued to represent the UAE in List A competitions and was selected for the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Despite showing flashes of skill—as evidenced by his 124 ODI runs at an average of 31.00, with a highest score of 47, and taking 4 wickets—his World Cup campaign did not live up to expectations, and he was not recalled to the national side after 1996. His legacy remains that of a pioneering cricketer who bridged Sri Lankan and Emirati cricket, contributing notably to both.