Weerahandige Inol Avishka Fernando, commonly known as Avishka Fernando, is a prominent Sri Lankan cricket player known for his explosive batting skills. Born on April 5, 1998, in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Avishka started grabbing attention at a young age due to his incredible talent and natural flair for the game.
Avishka began his cricketing journey at St. Sebastian’s College in Moratuwa, where he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Even before the age of 14, Avishka was already making significant contributions to his school’s first XI, consistently scoring centuries and exhibiting immense potential. In the 2015 season, he cemented his place as one of the school system’s highest-scoring batsmen, amassing more than 1000 runs.
His exceptional performances at the school level earned him a spot in Sri Lanka’s age-group teams, where he continued to shine. In just his second Youth One Day International (ODI) innings, Avishka smashed an unforgettable century, scoring 127 runs from just 103 balls against the visiting Australian Under-19 team in 2014. This impressive achievement further solidified his reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young talents.
However, it was during the 2016 Under-19 World Cup that Avishka truly showcased his potential. In the quarter-final match against England, he played a crucial knock of 95 runs from 96 balls, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s victory. Later that year, Avishka further impressed cricket enthusiasts by registering back-to-back centuries against the same opposition in a bilateral series held in England. These exceptional performances played a crucial role in Sri Lanka Under-19s’ remarkable whitewash against England Under-19s.
Avishka’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed, and his remarkable innings earned him a call-up to the national One Day International (ODI) team for the series against Australia, despite the fact that he had not yet played any List A or first-class cricket. This swift promotion to the national squad is a testament to Avishka’s exceptional talent and potential.
As a right-handed batsman, Avishka possesses a unique blend of power and finesse. He is known for his ability to strike the cricket ball with immense force, often delivering breathtaking sixes. However, he also has a delicate touch, displaying finesse and precision when required. Avishka’s dynamic style of play, coupled with his aggressive approach, makes him an exciting player to watch on the cricket field.
Although Avishka’s career is relatively young, his impressive achievements have already made a lasting impact in Sri Lankan cricket. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, it is clear that he has the potential to become one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific cricketers. With his talent, dedication, and passion for the game, Avishka Fernando promises to be a formidable force in international cricket and a key player in Sri Lanka’s cricketing future.
