Poojani Liyanage dies in motor accident

Poojani Liyanage, Sri Lanka A and Colombo cricketer, passed away on Monday (June 15) afternoon after she met with a motor accident. The leg-spinner, who made several appearances for Sri Lanka A, the last of which came in 2016, was only 33-years-old.



Liyanage represented Sri Lanka A in a Women's A tri-series involving Australia A and England Academy at home in 2016. Through that series she took four wickets in three matches, including a best of 2 for 40 against England Academy. The closest she came to achieving her dream of playing international cricket was when she was included in Sri Lanka's 22-member 'extended squad' ahead of the home series against South Africa in 2014.



Although she was unable to make the transition to international cricket, Liyanage continued to play provincial cricket, while trying to make her way up the ladder as a scorer.



She shared the field with many of Sri Lanka's biggest names, including Shashikala Siriwardene who took to social media to express her grief.







"I can't believe Pooja, that you are no more," Siriwardene wrote. "You were an amazing character. Fighter, Learner, you always wanted to play for the national team as a leg spinner."



"You came a long way as a scorer. More than anything else you were very good friend , sister to all the women cricketers in Sri Lanka. Together we won the provincial Tournament which you played last. You bowled a superb spell in the finals. That's the brightest memory I have with you recently. We will never forget you sister."