Downdegedara Asela Sampath Gunaratne, known widely as Asela Gunaratne, is a prominent cricket allrounder hailing from the island nation of Sri Lanka. Born on January 04, 1986, Gunaratne has made significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket, showcasing his extraordinary skills as a batsman, bowler, and fielder.
Gunaratne’s cricketing journey began with the Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, where he consistently impressed with his batting prowess. It was his ability to play powerful shots, particularly square of the wicket, that caught the attention of selectors. From 2012 to 2016, Gunaratne averaged over 50 in three out of four Premier League Tournaments, establishing himself as a reliable and consistent middle-order batsman. His wide range of strokes, including his favorite reverse sweep, further added to his worth as a cricketer.
While Gunaratne took some time to establish himself in the A side, his performance in Tests was nothing short of exceptional. He made an instant impact by scoring a fifty and a hundred in his first three international innings against Zimbabwe. This outstanding performance earned him a place in the ODI squad, where he showcased his dibbly-dobbly slow-medium bowling skills, claiming eight wickets at a remarkable average of 14.5. Gunaratne’s contributions with both bat and ball played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s triumph in the tri-nations trophy in Zimbabwe in November 2016.
Gunaratne’s impact was not limited to the longer formats of the game; he also made significant contributions in the shortest format. In February 2017, he played a crucial role in helping Sri Lanka claim a T20 series victory in Australia. With an impressive knock of 84 runs off just 46 balls, Gunaratne displayed his ability to chase formidable targets. His innings in Geelong, which included three consecutive sixes in the penultimate over, proved instrumental in securing a successful chase of 174 runs.
Outside of cricket, Gunaratne is a graduate of Sri Rahula College Kandy and has served as a Bombardier in the Sri Lanka Army. This demonstrates his commitment to both his nation and his profession.
Gunaratne’s remarkable performances have earned him a respectable reputation in the world of cricket. His consistent batting, skillful bowling, and exceptional fielding abilities make him a valuable player for any team. With his extraordinary abilities and commitment to the sport, there is no doubt that Gunaratne will continue to leave a lasting impact on Sri Lankan cricket.
