Esanda Fernando

Born on the 24th of May, 1985, Esanda Fernando's cricketing journey began in the bustling suburbs of Colombo, Sri Lanka. A cricket-crazy locale, Colombo's streets provided the perfect backdrop for Fernando to nurture his budding talent. His early years were steeped in the rich, competitive school cricket circuit, where his allround abilities quickly captured attention. By the time Fernando was 17, he was already earmarked as a prodigious talent for his right-arm-fast-medium deliveries and steady right-handed batting prowess.

Fernando made his professional debut at the age of 20, a gripping occasion that heralded the entrance of a new star in Sri Lankan cricket. Though initially more recognised for his bowling, his career trajectory saw him develop into a formidable allrounder—a bastion of strength for his side. His swinging deliveries coupled with deceptive pace made him a crucial weapon in one-day internationals, while his batting style was defined by a pragmatic approach, often rescuing his team in high-pressure situations.

Over the years, Fernando contributed significantly to his team's successes, notching up multiple victories in both domestic leagues and international contests. One of his career highlights was his instrumental role in Sri Lanka's sensational triumph in the 2008 Asia Cup, where his exemplary allround performances carved his name into the annals of cricketing folklore. Fernando's innings against arch-rivals India in the final—where he scored a rapid half-century and took three pivotal wickets—remains etched in the memory of fans.

The matches against India and Pakistan became defining arcs of his career, as these contests often saw him rising to the occasion with aplomb. Fernando's hat-trick in a nail-biting ODI against Pakistan in 2012 is still celebrated as a testament to his unyielding spirit and skill.

Fernando's cricketing ethos extended beyond mere numbers and records; it was about the impact he had on and off the pitch. His calmness under fire, combined with an acute cricketing brain, inspired both team members and spectators alike. This influence resonated through his mentorship of younger players, helping to shape the next generation of Sri Lankan cricket.

As Fernando's career waned, his legacy remained firmly intact—a true allrounder whose story was as much about his stats as it was about his inspirational journey, spirit of competition, and love for the game.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats