Dimuth Karunaratne Set to Retire After 100th Test Against Australia
Author: Joy Sarcar
Updated At:
Sri Lankan veteran opener Dimuth Karunaratne has announced his retirement from international cricket following the second Test against Australia in Galle. This match will mark a historic milestone for the 36-year-old, as it will be his 100th and final Test appearance for Sri Lanka.
The former captain has decided to step away from the game after struggling with form in recent months, managing just 182 runs in his last seven Test matches. His last notable performance came in September 2024 against New Zealand, where he scored his only half-century in this period.
A Remarkable Test Career
Karunaratne made his Test debut in 2012 at the very same venue, Galle, against New Zealand. In his maiden match, he registered a duck in the first innings but bounced back with an unbeaten 60 in the second to help Sri Lanka clinch a 10-wicket victory.
Over the course of his career, he became one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable batters, amassing 7,172 runs in 99 Tests, including 16 centuries. His highest Test score remains an impressive 244, which he struck against Bangladesh in 2021.
Although primarily known for his Test exploits, Karunaratne also contributed in white-ball cricket, playing 50 ODIs and 34 T20Is. His lone ODI century came against Ireland in 2023. Despite not having a long-lasting limited-overs career, his presence in the Test format cemented his legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s finest openers in recent history.
Leadership and Legacy
Karunaratne’s impact on Sri Lankan cricket goes beyond just his batting. After establishing himself as a dependable opener, he was handed the captaincy in 2019. One of his most significant achievements as captain was leading Sri Lanka to a historic 2-0 Test series victory over South Africa, making them the first Asian team to win a Test series in South Africa.
Some of his most memorable innings include a 196 against Pakistan in a day-night Test in 2017 and a gritty century in Christchurch in 2014, which marked the beginning of his dominance in red-ball cricket. His consistency was recognized globally, as he was named in the ICC Test Cricket Team of the Year three times (2018, 2021, and 2023).
The Betting Market’s Focus on Karunaratne’s Final Test
As Karunaratne prepares to bid farewell to international cricket, his final Test against Australia has garnered significant interest among fans and cricket analysts.
His performance in the farewell game is being closely followed by enthusiasts, including those engaged in best cricket betting sites in India, where wagers are being placed on his last innings and Sri Lanka’s chances in the match.
With his departure, Sri Lanka will look to groom a new opening batsman to fill the void left by Karunaratne’s absence. However, his contribution to the national team will forever be remembered as he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and consistency in Test cricket.
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