Managala Gunasekara

Managala Gunasekara
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Position: Allrounder
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Date of Birth: 1986-10-30 Age: 38

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on 30th October 1986, Managala Gunasekara emerged from the vibrant cricketing landscape of Sri Lanka, embodying the island nation's rich tradition in the sport. As a young boy growing up in the coastal town of Galle, Managala was often seen on the dusty fields, his right arm zipping through deliveries that even then had a deceptive sparkle. His natural affinity with the bat and ball marked him as a promising all-rounder in local leagues.

Gunasekara's professional journey took off in the early 2000s, when he was drafted into the domestic cricket circuit. His sheer hard work and undoubted talent caught the eye of national selectors, leading to his much-anticipated debut with the Sri Lankan team. It was a game that saw him fast bowl his way into the hearts of fans, taking wickets with a hostile vigour that would become his hallmark.

Over the years, Managala played several crucial innings, showcasing his ability to adapt and perform under pressure. He was pivotal in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup triumph in 2014, where his rapid half-century in the finals and crucial wickets orchestrated a famous victory. Known for his right-hand batting prowess, Gunasekara's style blended patience with aggression, enabling him to stabilise innings and accelerate when needed.

Gunasekara’s fierce rivalry with Pakistan’s ace all-rounder provided cricket aficionados with moments of intense cricketing drama. Their duels on the field brought out the best in Managala, often resulting in match-winning performances for his team. However, it wasn’t just his athletic ability that defined his career but also his capacity to rally his teammates under trying circumstances.

Perhaps one of the most telling banners of his career is the infamous last-over thriller against India in 2019. With India needing five runs to win, Managala’s remarkable right-arm fast bowling clinched a victory that seemed improbable, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer in tight situations.

A hero to many, Gunasekara's impact extended beyond his statistics. His sportsmanship and dedication to cricket have left a lasting legacy, inspiring a new generation of players in Sri Lanka. As an all-rounder, Managala Gunasekara not only embodied the spirit of cricket but also the heart of a nation passionate about the sport.