Mashtayage Danushka Gunathilaka, commonly known as Danushka Gunathilaka, is a talented left-handed opening batsman and part-time offspinner from Sri Lanka. Born on December 16, 1990, in Colombo, Gunathilaka made his mark in the domestic system before being recognized for his potential and talent.
Gunathilaka started his cricketing journey at the renowned Sinhalese Sports Club, where he honed his skills and developed a solid foundation. His impressive performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of the national selectors, leading to his inclusion in Sri Lanka’s A team for the tour of New Zealand in 2015.
During the tour, Gunathilaka showcased his attacking batting style and proved his worth as an opener by scoring two fifties in four innings, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer. This remarkable performance earned him a call-up to the senior national team for the home series against West Indies in November of the same year.
Gunathilaka then embarked on his first tour with the senior team to New Zealand. Although his initial ODI performances were modest, he announced his arrival with a stunning match-winning knock of 65 runs off just 45 balls in Nelson, earning him the well-deserved Man-of-the-Match award.
Despite his impressive performances, Gunathilaka faced challenges and was initially left out of the squad for the 2017 Champions Trophy in England. However, due to an injury to Chamara Kapugedara, Gunathilaka was called up for the second match and made an immediate impact by scoring a sensational 76 runs off 72 balls, helping his team chase down a target of 322.
Following this superb innings, Gunathilaka continued his remarkable form with three fifties and his maiden ODI hundred in the series against Zimbabwe. His consistent performances earned him a call-up to the Test side. However, his Test debut did not go as planned, as he struggled with loose strokes, managing scores of just 16 and 2 in both innings.
Gunathilaka possesses an exceptional ability to play square of the wicket, particularly on the off side, making him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team. He draws inspiration from legendary cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, admiring his skill and technique.
In addition to his batting prowess, Gunathilaka also contributes to the team as a part-time offspinner, adding versatility to his game. His vast cricketing experience also includes representing Sri Lanka’s Under-19 team in the 2009 Youth World Cup, showcasing his talent from a young age.
As Danushka Gunathilaka continues to evolve and refine his skills, he remains an integral part of the Sri Lankan cricket team. With his attacking batting style, solid technique, and flexibility as an all-rounder, Gunathilaka is poised to make significant contributions to Sri Lankan cricket in the years to come.
