Dimuth Karunaratne, a talented left-hand opening batsman, hails from Sri Lanka and is known for his solid technique and ability to score big centuries against tough oppositions. Born on April 21, 1988, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Karunaratne had his first taste of cricket during his schooling years at St Joseph’s College. This prestigious institution has produced several cricket stars, including Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera, whom Karunaratne played with in the Sri Lanka Under-19 side.
Karunaratne kicked off his professional cricket career in 2008 when he made his debut for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) in first-class cricket. However, his first season was relatively low-key as he predominantly batted in the middle order. Determined to make his mark, Karunaratne secured a place in the top order in 2009 and began to display more consistency in his performances.
His breakthrough came during the 2009 season when he scored his maiden first-class century against Colts Cricket Club. This remarkable innings paved the way for an impressive total of 1186 runs at an average of 56.54 in that season. His prolific form caught the attention of selectors, leading to a call-up for the Sri Lanka A team against South Africa A. Karunaratne continued to shine and even notched up 184 runs in a match against an attack that included the formidable Vernon Philander.
While Karunaratne hasn’t been able to replicate the same volume of runs since his standout second season, he has built a reputation for his ability to score big centuries against challenging bowling attacks. In 2011, he got the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka in two ODIs, making scores of 4 and 60. Later that year, he was named in the Test squad for the South African tour, although he didn’t get an opportunity to play.
However, Karunaratne toured South Africa again in July 2012 with the A team, and it was during this tour that he showcased his potential with impressive scores of 83 and an unbeaten 150. His outstanding performances caught the attention of the national selectors, leading to his Test debut for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in the Galle Test. Karunaratne was chosen to open the batting alongside his SSC partner, Tharanga Paranavitana, replacing the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan.
Ever since his Test debut, Karunaratne has established himself as a reliable opening batsman for Sri Lanka. He has displayed immense resilience and a strong temperament, often facing some of the toughest bowlers in the world with remarkable composure. His ability to adapt to different conditions and perform consistently has earned him widespread acclaim and admiration from cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
As of now, Karunaratne continues to be a vital cog in the Sri Lankan cricket team’s batting lineup. His contributions have played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s success in Test cricket, including a historic Test series victory in South Africa in 2019 where he captained the side. With his strong work ethic, determination, and unwavering commitment to the sport, Dimuth Karunaratne is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished cricket players of his generation.
