Hansima Karunaratne

Hansima Karunaratne, born on 4th October 1993, has crafted an impressive niche in the world of cricket with his skillful right-arm fast-medium bowling. Growing up in the cricket-loving streets of Kandy, Sri Lanka, Hansima’s passion for the game was sparked by his father, a local club cricketer. He spent his childhood emulating his favourite players, practising tirelessly in the nets and fields, dreaming of stepping onto the international stage.

His breakthrough came when he was just 18. Spotted by national selectors during a local tournament, his fierce pace and swing caught everyone’s attention. By 2014, Hansima had made his professional debut for Sri Lanka in an ODI against Bangladesh, marking the beginning of an exhilarating career. He soon became known for swinging the ball both ways, making it difficult for batsmen to predict his deliveries.

Hansima's career is decorated with numerous achievements and records. One of his standout performances was during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where his spell against India in the semifinals, taking 4 wickets for 24 runs, was instrumental in leading Sri Lanka to a historic victory over the formidable side. This feat, amongst others, cemented Hansima’s reputation as a big-match player.

The rivalries Hansima developed throughout his career, especially with India's top-order batsman, Ravi Sharma, were the stuff of legends. Their on-field battles drew massive crowds and became a talking point in cricketing circles. The unforgettable clash during the 2019 World Cup, where Hansima bowled a match-winning spell to dismiss Sharma for a duck, remains etched in fans’ memories as a classic Hansima moment.

In style, Hansima is both methodical and aggressive. His right-hand batting is dependable in lower-order contributions, often stabilising innings in times of crisis. However, it is his bowling that truly sets him apart. With a knack for generating swing and pace, and a sharp cricketing brain, he consistently out-thinks the batsmen, often using subtle variations in speed and angle to his advantage.

Beyond individual brilliance, Hansima's impact on Sri Lankan cricket is profound. He has inspired the next generation with his relentless dedication and has often been seen coaching young bowlers, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport. As he continues to thrive, Hansima Karunaratne leaves an indelible mark, not just on scorecards, but in the hearts of cricket aficionados worldwide.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats