Thisara Fernando

Thisara Fernando
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Date of Birth: 1986-09-02 Age: 38

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on 2nd September 1986, Thisara Fernando grew up in the bustling city of Kandy, where cricket was more than just a pastime—it was a passion shared by his community. From a young age, the rhythmic sound of leather meeting willow resonated as a comforting backdrop to his childhood. His early years were spent playing on the dusty pitches of his local club, where his natural flair for batting first caught the eye of local coaches.

Fernando's real journey commenced when he broke into the Kandy district team as a teenager. His evident talent and relentless dedication soon earned him a spot in the national under-19 squad. It was not long before the selectors could no longer ignore his prowess, and in 2006, he donned the national jersey to make his professional debut.

Fernando quickly established himself as an indispensable top-order batsman with an attacking approach. His ability to anchor innings while seamlessly shifting gears made him a formidable opponent. As a right-handed batsman, he was known for dispatching both pace deliveries and spin with ease, his cover drives particularly being a thing of beauty. And though predominantly recognised for his batting, Fernando’s versatility extended to his cunning variations in pace when bowling, surprising many batsmen.

Throughout his career, Fernando's achievements have been significant. He played a vital role in securing his team several domestic championships. The 2011 series against arch-rivals Australia remains etched in fans' memory where Fernando’s gritty century spearheaded his team to a remarkable victory. Matches against the Australians always seemed to evoke Fernando’s best, becoming a personal theatre of excellence and resilience.

One of the defining moments in Fernando’s career came during the 2014 World T20. Displaying nerves of steel, he led a stunning chase in the semi-final against South Africa, securing his team’s place in the final with an unbeaten 82. The championship, which his team went on to win, marked a historic milestone.

Fernando’s impact on the game transcends statistics. His ability to elevate team morale and his sportsmanship have earned him respect both on and off the field. His career, punctuated by thrilling moments and disciplined performances, remains a testament to his enduring love for the game and his country.