Dimuth Karunaratne, the experienced Sri Lankan bowler, will retire from international cricket after the second Test match against Australia in Galle. This important match will be his last test cricket match and his 100th test match.

At 36 years old, Karunaratne's decision to retire comes after a challenging form at the top of the order, with a recent string of low scores. Even so, his impact on world cricket is clear, and he played an important role in Sri Lanka's cricket history.

A Steady Career with Achievements

Karunaratne started his international cricket career in 2012 when he played his first Test match against New Zealand in Galle.

Even though he didn't do well in that match—scoring zero runs and then 60 runs without getting out—he still had a promising future in the sport. Sri Lanka won the match by 10 runs, and Karunaratne's first game began a successful career.

Since his simple start, Karunaratne has become one of the most dependable openers in Test cricket, always giving his team good starts.

In his 99 Test matches, Karunaratne has scored 7,172 runs, with 16 of those being centuries. His best score of 244 against Bangladesh in 2021 shows how well he can control the game.

Karunaratne has not only scored many runs but has also been a key player for the Sri Lankan hitting team for more than ten years, helping to keep the team's performance steady at the beginning of the game.

A Challenging Last Phase

Even though Karunaratne did well in the past, his latest performances have not been great.

In his last seven Test matches, he scored 182 runs, including just one half-century of 50 runs against New Zealand in September 2024.

His poor performance made him quit, as he thought it was time for a fresh start in Sri Lankan cricket.

Though his recent struggles with the bat have overshadowed his final years in the game, Karunaratne’s earlier performances still place him among the most respected and accomplished openers of his age. Bet pro exchange login firstly publish this news.

An important person in Sri Lanka's cricket history.

Karunaratne's impact on Sri Lankan cricket goes beyond just his hitting achievements. He has been a key team member, especially when he was captain.

Karunaratne became the leader in 2019 and guided Sri Lanka to a memorable Test series win against South Africa. Sri Lanka is the first Asian team to win a Test series against South Africa in South Africa, making it a historic accomplishment.

As captain, Karunaratne was also known for his skills as a player on an international level. He was selected for the ICC Test Cricket Team of the Year three times: in 2018, 2021, and 2023.

This shows that he consistently performed well and excelled in the sport. His skill in handling pressure as a player and a leader has gained him respect from his teammates and cricket fans worldwide.

The history and leadership of Test Cricket.

Karunaratne’s consistency in Test cricket is notable for its length. He became known as a dependable starter early in his career, with his first-century score against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2014.

From 2015 onwards, he became a regular fixture at the top of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. He often played important roles in tough situations and was a key player in Sri Lanka's Test cricket achievements.

As captain, Karunaratne made good changes to the Sri Lankan Test team. His smart strategies and cool attitude helped Sri Lanka win several important games, including a significant victory in South Africa.

Under his guidance, Sri Lanka proved its strength and determination, gaining respect from cricketing countries worldwide.

A Brief Time in Limited-Overs Cricket

Karunaratne is mainly recognized for his achievements in Test cricket, but he also played well in limited-overs games. He played 50 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 34 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for Sri Lanka.

His limited-overs career wasn't as impressive as his Test career, but he did score his only century in ODI cricket during a match against Ireland in 2023.

His ability to play different forms helped him contribute in many ways, but in Test matches, he became one of Sri Lanka's cricket legends.

To read more blog: Why Test Bowling Demands Different Skills Than County Cricket

A Tribute to a Real Cricket Champion

As Dimuth Karunaratne gets ready to leave international cricket, the cricket community will surely think about his amazing career. His hard work, guidance, and important batting skills have made him one of the greatest Sri Lankan cricketers ever.

His retirement from cricket signifies the end of a significant time for Sri Lanka’s team, but his impact will continue to motivate future players.

Karunaratne's choice to quit is filled with memories and satisfaction. He has accomplished everything a cricketer could want—a successful job, personal goals, and the admiration of his fellow players.

As he plays his last Test match in Galle, many will remember his career with respect and gratitude for his positive influence on Sri Lanka's cricket past.

In The Last

Dimuth Karunaratne's exit from international cricket ended his impressive career. Since he started in 2012, Karunaratne has achieved a lot and shown great leadership as he approaches his 100th Test match.

He has played an important role in Sri Lanka's cricket success. He will be remembered as one of Sri Lanka's best players for his role as a reliable opener, captain, and cricket legend.

As the cricket world says goodbye to Karunaratne, his influence on the game will be remembered even after he leaves the pitch for the last time.