Dimuth Karunaratne 39 years old left handed Sri Lankan opener batter. One of the best test opener in the world.
Karunarantne, former Test and ODI captain for Sri Lanka announces his retirement. Dimuth informed Sri Lankan Cricket Board that upcoming test on 6th February will be his last international appearance. He served Sri Lanka in test and ODIs only. He doesn’t play a single T20 international in his entire career.
The Galle test will be the emotional setback for an experience batter. Dimuth Karunaratne played his role in many memorable victories for Sri Lanka struggled for runs these days. He decided to step away from the international cricket.
Captaincy:
He became the 17th Test captain after Dinesh Chandimal in February 2019. In March 2019 prior to the men’s ODI world cup he named as Captain of Sri Lankan squad.
After his 5 years of Test Captaincy, Dhananjaya De Silva takes the charge in February 2024 Test against Afghanistan.
Achivements:
Karunaratne made his Test debut in late 2012 against New Zealand in Galle. The start was not ideal as he got out on duck but he came back strongly. He struck fifty in next innings. 9 July 2011 against England he received his first cap.
He struck his career best figure 244 in Kandy against Bangladesh in April 2021. He scored 16 Test hundred and 39 half centuries in his 99 games.
In October 2017 against Pakistan Karunaratne became the first Sri Lankan to score 50, 100 and 150 in a day-night Test.
In his 50 ODI match appearances he struck 1 century and 11 fifties with average of 31.
Due to his continues performance he selected 3 times in ICC Test team of the year. Due to his performances Dimuth Karunaratne selected to Wisden’s World Test Championship 2021-2023. He finished at second-highest run scorer among openers overall.
Read more: Imam ul Haq response after exclusion from Champions Trophy squad
Dimuth Karunaratne starts his Test career from Galle 2012 and going to end on 6th February 2025 at the same venu.
