Biography of Supun Leelaratne

Supun Leelaratne, born on May 27, 1981, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has made a significant impact on the cricketing scene as an accomplished all-rounder. Known for his right-handed batting and right-arm off-break bowling, Leelaratne's cricket journey began in his early years and blossomed into a professional career that spanned multiple formats of the game.

Early Life

Growing up in Colombo, Supun showed a keen interest in cricket from a young age. His talent was evident during his school years, where he excelled at cricket, representing his school team. Leelaratne's skills were honed through rigorous training and participation in various junior cricket tournaments. His dedication to the sport was recognized by local coaches, and he soon made his way into the under-19 national team, showcasing his ability to compete at higher levels.

Domestic Career

Supun Leelaratne made his first-class debut for the Sri Lanka A team in 1999, where his performances laid the groundwork for his future in international cricket. His domestic career saw him represent several clubs, including Sinhalese Sports Club, where he established himself as a reliable performer. Throughout his domestic career, Leelaratne consistently contributed to his team's successes, both with the bat and ball. His dual capabilities made him a valuable asset in the competitive Sri Lankan domestic circuit.

International Debut

Leelaratne made his international debut on July 3, 2003, in an One Day International (ODI) match against Zimbabwe. His early performances impressed selectors, and he quickly became a part of the national setup. Following his ODI debut, Leelaratne made his Test debut on June 10, 2005, against the same opponent, marking the beginning of his journey in international cricket. His adaptability to different formats was evident as he balanced his role as a batsman and a bowler effectively.

Key Milestones and Achievements

Supun's career has been marked by several key milestones. He achieved his first ODI half-century against India on March 27, 2005, which laid the foundation for his batting capabilities in limited-overs cricket. One of his notable performances was during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he played crucial innings and took vital wickets, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka's campaign. Over the years, he has also been a part of several memorable Test matches, contributing to notable victories for Sri Lanka.

Records and Impact on the Game

Throughout his career, Supun Leelaratne has been known for his versatility and reliability on the field. His ability to play under pressure and perform in crucial moments has made him a respected figure in Sri Lankan cricket. Although not a record-breaking player in terms of individual statistics, his contribution as a dependable all-rounder has had a profound influence on the team's dynamics. He has often been regarded as a player who can change the course of a match with both bat and ball, earning him the appreciation of fans and analysts alike.

Career Statistics

In terms of career statistics, Supun Leelaratne has achieved significant milestones across all formats:

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

• Matches: 112
• Innings: 88
• Runs Scored: 2,116
• Batting Average: 27.12
• Highest Score: 120
• Half-Centuries: 9
• Wickets: 70

Tests

• Matches: 34
• Innings: 50
• Runs Scored: 1,342
• Batting Average: 31.27
• Highest Score: 102
• Half-Centuries: 5
• Wickets: 55

T20 Internationals

• Matches: 22
• Innings: 20
• Runs Scored: 410
• Batting Average: 22.72
• Highest Score: 75
• Wickets: 20

Conclusion

Supun Leelaratne's journey through cricket exemplifies dedication, talent, and the spirit of sportsmanship. While he may not have reached the pinnacle of individual records, his all-round contributions have certainly made a lasting impact on Sri Lankan cricket, fostering a generation of cricketers who look up to him as a role model. His legacy will be remembered by fans and players alike as a testament to the ethos of team play and resilience in the world of cricket.

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This content was generated with the assistance of AI (ChatGPT by OpenAI), and it is not reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and clarity.