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Dimuth Karunaratne to Retire After 100th Test Against Australia in Galle
Sri Lankan Opener Bids Farewell to International Cricket
Sri Lanka’s veteran opening batsman and former captain Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from international cricket. The second Test against Australia in Galle will be his final appearance, marking the end of an illustrious career that spans over a decade. This match will also be Karunaratne’s 100th Test, making his farewell even more significant.
The 36-year-old has decided to step away following a recent dip in form, having accumulated only 182 runs in his last seven Tests with a lone half-century against New Zealand in September 2024.
Karunaratne’s Test Career: A Journey of Resilience
Early Days and Rise in Sri Lankan Cricket
Dimuth Karunaratne made his Test debut at Galle International Stadium in 2012 against New Zealand. Despite scoring a duck in his maiden innings, he bounced back with an unbeaten 60 in the second, helping Sri Lanka secure a 10-wicket victory.
Since then, Karunaratne has been a mainstay at the top of Sri Lanka’s batting order, amassing 7,172 runs in 99 Tests with 16 centuries. His highest score of 244 came against Bangladesh in 2021, further cementing his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable Test batsmen.
Leadership and Memorable Performances
In 2019, Karunaratne took over Sri Lanka’s Test captaincy and made an immediate impact. One of his most remarkable achievements came the same year when he led Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 Test series victory in South Africa, making them the first Asian team to achieve this feat.
His standout performances include:
- Maiden Test Century (152) against New Zealand in Christchurch, 2014.
- Match-winning 196 against Pakistan in a day-night Test, 2017.
- Leading Sri Lanka to a series win in South Africa, 2019.
- Named in ICC Test Team of the Year three times – 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Karunaratne’s Limited-Overs Contributions
Although primarily known for his Test cricket exploits, Karunaratne also played in 50 ODIs and 34 T20Is for Sri Lanka. His standout performance in limited-overs cricket was a century against Ireland in 2023.
Despite not being a regular feature in Sri Lanka’s white-ball setup, his leadership and batting experience were valuable assets to the team.
Final Test and Legacy
Karunaratne’s 100th and final Test against Australia at Galle will be an emotional affair for Sri Lankan cricket fans. As one of the most consistent openers of his generation, his departure marks the end of an era.
With an outstanding record and numerous match-winning performances, Karunaratne leaves behind a rich legacy in Sri Lankan cricket. His contributions, especially in Test cricket, will be remembered for years to come.
What’s Next for Sri Lankan Cricket?
With Karunaratne retiring, Sri Lanka will now look for a new opener to fill the void left by one of their most reliable batters. The team management will likely focus on grooming young talent to maintain the stability Karunaratne provided at the top of the order.
For more updates on Sri Lankan cricket and upcoming Test matches, stay tuned here.
