Cricket may be a sport of fortune for some but not for many. A player with stacks of talent sometimes may have to take the rough path. In the case of Sachith and Harith, dejection runs deep. The twins represented Thurstan College cricket teams at all age groups with a lot of promise. They however bowed out of their own choice soon after the league tournament last season as they say, 'due to lack of prominence.'

In the case of Sachith and Harith, dejection runs deep

Sachith, an all-rounder was Thurstan's main off-spinner while his twin Harith too is a capable all-rounder and a specialized opening batsman. Both who are in their late 19s were born to the Dias couple who come from a rich cricketing background.

"Roshan Mahanama is our mother's first cousin and he is our uncle. But we rarely meet him due to his work as an international match referee. We have met him occasionally and at one such meeting he said that both of us are doing the correct thing. He offered his support for us to reach the top in cricket," the Dias twins said.

The identical twins have been rarely separated during the past 19 years. They always make sure that they are within sight of each other whether at home, school or the play ground. The bond that binds these twins is extremely thick and strong.

"Everything in life has been happening in an identical way for us. Our habits, clothing and likings are similar. We started our careers together and turned out as handy cricketers for our school though we experienced ups and downs," added Sachith and Harith.

The twins started showing interest in cricket at a very early age. Their father Lakshman also being a former cricketer at Nalanda College was keen to see his sons become cricketers. The twins were just eight-years-old when they took the first lessons at CCC School of Cricket under renowned junior coach Nelson Mendis. Before changing over to Thurstan, Sachith and Harith attended practices at Ananda Sastralaya MV, Kotte with the hope of representing the junior team. But their wishes never materialised at Ananda Sastralaya.

"We never got an opportunity to play at Ananda Sastralaya. Then our parents decided to move us to Thurstan in 2002. We started from the under-13 age group and represented all age groups many times together and occasionally in different divisions," said the elder twin Sachith.

Despite their claims of being identical in all aspects, including looks and talents, they had spot differences which were individually unique. At the beginning the twins acted as the opening batsmen of the junior age group. Sachith developed his skills as an off-spinner and gradually moved down the batting order while Harith perfected his abilities as an opening batsman. Harith also became a part time medium pacer while Sachith turned out to be a useful middle-order batsman who had the knack to play at any given position. The twins prospered to become useful cricketers at Thurstan by the time they reached the under-17 age group.

"Two years ago when I got the opportunity to play my debut first XI season I took 52 wickets. I played at the limited overs big match and claimed the best player's award and also emerged as the Most Popular Player in the under-17 tournament. Last season I completed 97 wickets. I had the opportunity of passing 100 wickets but due to various reasons I was prevented from reaching that milestone," Sachith recalled.
"While Sachith concentrated on bowling I continued to play as an opener. I managed to score countless numbers of half centuries and my best knock of 120 came in a second XI match against Maris Stella.

ast season too I was unlucky. I couldn't score beyond 49," Harith assessed his short school career.
Both Sachith and Harith have enjoyed a successful career while getting the opportunity of playing at two big matches and two complete first XI seasons at Thurstan. As they continued to play throughout the past eight years the twins aimed to carry forward their cricket careers together until one of them, at least, manages to reach the top.

"Our parents have been with us right throughout our endeavours and they are our greatest blessings. We have played together during the past eight years and they like us to be together for the rest of our cricketing careers. We also have individual aims, goals and dreams but as twins we would very much like to pursue well at club level representing the same team and even reach beyond all barriers," they said in unison.