Nishad Tharanga Paranavitana, born on October 9, 1982, is a professional cricket player from Sri Lanka. Standing tall and upright, Paranavitana is primarily known for his skills as an opening batsman. His early breakthrough came during the Emerging Team Trophy in Sri Lanka in 2003, where he showcased his talent and potential to the cricketing world.
After his impressive performance in the Emerging Team Trophy, Paranavitana continued to make consistent scores in domestic cricket, establishing himself as a reliable batsman. However, it was his career-best innings of 236 runs off 392 balls that truly announced his arrival on the international stage. This remarkable innings crowned Sinhalese Sports Club the champions of the 2007-08 Premier League Tier A, and opened up new opportunities for Paranavitana at the international level.
During this successful campaign, Paranavitana smashed three centuries and finished as the highest run-scorer for the season, amassing an impressive tally of 893 runs at an average of 74.41. His consistent performances caught the attention of the selectors, and he was subsequently selected to represent Sri Lanka A team in their tour to South Africa. Throughout the unofficial Test matches played in South Africa, Paranavitana continued to impress, scoring a century and two half-centuries.
Recognizing his potential and talent, coach Chandika Hathurusingha named Paranavitana as a future prospect for Sri Lanka after the South Africa tour. This endorsement further boosted Paranavitana’s confidence and paved the way for his debut in Test cricket. In early 2009, he earned his maiden Test cap during a series against Pakistan, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Throughout his career, Paranavitana exhibited a patient batting style and a penchant for building long innings. He had the ability to absorb pressure and counter-attack when required. His technique and determination made him a reliable opening batsman for the Sri Lankan national team.
While Paranavitana’s Test career was not without its fair share of challenges, he had several remarkable performances to his credit. One of the highlights of his Test career was his brilliant partnership with legendary Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara against Pakistan in 2009. The duo put on a mammoth 207-run partnership, with Paranavitana contributing a solid 72 runs to the total.
Statistically, Paranavitana played a total of 32 Test matches for Sri Lanka, scoring 1797 runs at an average of 31.01, including 3 centuries and 9 half-centuries. His contribution to Sri Lankan cricket cannot be overlooked, as he played a pivotal role in stabilizing the team’s innings on numerous occasions.
Off the field, Paranavitana is known to be a humble and modest individual. He is deeply committed to his craft and continues to inspire aspiring cricketers with his dedication and perseverance. While he may have retired from international cricket, his impact on Sri Lankan cricket will be cherished for years to come.
