Sunitha Goonetilleke stars in New Zealand Veterans Over60s triumph in Australia – By Clifford Lazarus
A cricketer’s achievements in his late teens, twenties, or as an experienced player in his thirties does not surprise many, but it does raise eyebrows when a septuagenarian ends up with the best bowling performance for his team along with a “Man of the match” award in the international arena. That honour goes to Sunitha Goonetilleke who played cricket for Air Ceylon in the Nationalised Services, skippered the Sri Lankan team “Sinha” in Oman’s first division and played in the New Zealand domestic scene. “As a bowler it is not just my effort that matters, the whole team has helped me to achieve this, especially the fielders. I feel humbled and honoured and thank God for the opportunity” states Sunitha.
A medium pace bowler known throughout Auckland for his accurate line and length spells, Sunitha has played for the Sri Lankan Cricket Club (SLCC) in Auckland for the past 30 years and in the Auckland Presidents Grade (Over40s) team for SLCC for the past 10 years. He also represented Auckland in the Over60s national tournament for the past five years.
Representing New Zealand team 3 Veterans Over60s at this year’s Barwon VCA Over 60s National Championships played at Geelong in Victoria, Sunitha starred throughout the four-match 40-over tournament and was declared “Man of the match” for his outstanding performance against Queensland as he bowled the New Zealand side to victory. Featuring in all matches of the tournament, Sunitha delivered 27 overs in total, conceding 78 runs for a haul of six wickets, which turned out to be the best bowling analysis for any bowler throughout the tournament. The NZ team 3 went on to become champions in their Division in the tournament and won the Graham Horlin-Smith Shield 2022. “My body has been coping with four days cricket. Of course there are niggles and injuries you carry. I thank God for giving me the ability to keep going. The fact that I practice and play regularly for my club, and also the NZ nationals in a five consecutive-day tournament, has helped train the body. I believe that, at my age, the key is to keep fit, and I have managed to do that” added Sunitha.
The selection to New Zealand Veterans Over60s is based on an individual’s performance at the New Zealand Over60s Nationals held in February each year. Sunitha was selected to represent the team for the past three years but Covid denied him the opportunity to showcase his talents. However he grabbed the opportunity this year. “Have passion for the game and keep fit” was Sunitha’s parting advice to all cricketers.
