Dihan Avishka Gunawardene, commonly known as Avishka Gunawardene, is a former professional cricket player from Sri Lanka. Born on January 17, 1979, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Gunawardene was an explosive left-handed opener who gained recognition for his audacious style of play, reminiscent of the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya.
Gunawardene’s cricketing journey began to gain momentum in 1998 when he made headlines during the Commonwealth Games. He showcased his immense potential by scoring a century and becoming the highest scorer in the semi-final match against South Africa. This remarkable performance caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts, who started to compare him to his idol, Jayasuriya.
Following his strong showing at the Commonwealth Games, Gunawardene seized the opportunity to impress selectors when he deputized for Jayasuriya in a match against Australia in Melbourne. In a daring attempt to chase down a target of 311 runs, he smashed an exhilarating 145 off just 20 overs, showcasing his fearless approach to the game. This innings solidified his reputation as a swashbuckling batsman capable of taking on any bowling attack.
Gunawardene reached his career-best score of 132 against the formidable West Indies during the ICC Knockout in 2000. However, despite these sporadic flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and impetuous dismissals prevented him from securing a regular place in the national team.
In 2004, a change in the selection committee opened the door for Gunawardene’s comeback. He leapfrogged ahead of other fringe players and finally received a chance to prove his worth during the Asia Cup when regular opener Marvan Atapattu was rested. In that tournament, he delivered an important half-century, seizing the opportunity with both hands.
In November 2005, Gunawardene’s hard work was rewarded with a call-up to the Sri Lankan Test squad for the India series. However, he failed to make a significant impact in the two matches he played. In the following year, he joined the one-day squad for the tour of New Zealand but again failed to make a mark in the sole game he participated in.
Unfortunately, in September 2007, Gunawardene’s career took an unexpected turn when he joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL), a move that effectively brought his international career to a halt. Along with four other Sri Lankan players, he faced a ban from official cricketing competitions.
However, in a turnaround of events in September 2008, the ban on Gunawardene and his compatriots was lifted, allowing them to resume playing domestic cricket in Sri Lanka. Gunawardene returned to the cricketing scene, but he was unable to fully recapture his earlier form and failed to make a significant impact on the national stage.
Although Gunawardene’s international career may not have reached the heights many anticipated, his explosive style and audacious approach always made him a player to watch. Despite the ups and downs, he remains a respected figure in Sri Lankan cricket, who entertained fans with his fearless batting and unforgettable innings.
