Cricketer Nilantha Cooray Biography - Cricket Profile
- Full Name: Nilantha Cooray
- Birth Date: 20 Jan, 1978
- Age: 41 years 160 days
- Batting Style: Right-hand bat
- Bowling Style: Legbreak
- Teams: Burgher Recreation Club
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 4 | 3 | 1 | 101 | 56* | 77 | 131.16 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 100 | 156 | 13 | 2904 | 139 | 1 | 15 | 57 | 0 | ||||
| List A | 72 | 64 | 12 | 1323 | 107* | 1 | 6 | 26 | 0 | ||||
| T20s | 15 | 12 | 1 | 224 | 56* | 194 | 115.46 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 8 | 3 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 4 | 4 | 96 | 99 | 6 | 3/26 | 3/26 | 16.50 | 6.18 | 16.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| First-class | 100 | 9660 | 4728 | 216 | 6/34 | 21.88 | 2.93 | 44.7 | 7 | 0 | |||
| List A | 72 | 1852 | 1317 | 68 | 5/31 | 5/31 | 19.36 | 4.26 | 27.2 | 3 | 2 | 0 | |
| T20s | 15 | 14 | 276 | 316 | 17 | 4/14 | 4/14 | 18.58 | 6.86 | 16.2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Nilantha Cooray: A Journey Through Cricket
Nilantha Cooray, a prominent figure in Maldivian cricket, was born on January 20, 1978, in Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. An exceptional cricketer, Nilantha is known for his right-handed batting skills and leg-spin bowling, which he used to great effect throughout his career. His journey from the serene shores of the Maldives to the cricketing arenas positions him as one of the country’s most revered sportsmen.
Early Life
Nilantha's passion for cricket developed at a young age, influenced by the cricketing culture prevalent in Sri Lanka. Growing up in a country where cricket is not just a sport but a passion, he began playing in local clubs and schools. His early performances garnered attention, particularly for his ability to spin the ball and his solid batting technique.
International Debut
Nilantha made his international debut for the Maldives in 2003, participating in the ACC Trophy, which marked the beginning of his career on the international stage. Despite being a relatively small cricketing nation, the Maldives had entered the arena of international cricket and relied on players like Nilantha to establish a competitive identity.
Key Milestones and Records
During his career, Nilantha achieved several milestones that showcased his talent and determination. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game earned him recognition as one of the Maldives' most dependable players. Key milestones in his career include:
- First ODI Appearance: Nilantha played his first ODI match in 2004 during the ACC Premier League, sparking his journey in One Day Internationals.
- First T20 International: In the early days of T20 cricket, Nilantha represented the Maldives in their first T20 International match in 2006, setting the precedent for many who followed.
- Leading Run-scorer: He became the leading run-scorer for the Maldives in various international competitions, solidifying his status as a key player.
Achievements
Nilantha's career was characterized by several noteworthy achievements that spoke volumes about his skill and dedication:
- Top Performer: Consistent performances in the ACC tournaments made him a top player for Maldives cricket, often leading in scoring and wicket-taking.
- 2010 ACC Elite Cup: He played a pivotal role in the team's historic journey to the semifinals, where they made an impressive mark against stronger teams.
- Coaching Role: After his playing days, Nilantha transitioned to coaching, using his experience to nurture upcoming talent in Maldivian cricket.
Impact on the Game
Nilantha Cooray's influence on the game extends beyond his personal statistics. By representing the Maldives on the international stage, he raised the profile of Maldivian cricket and inspired younger generations. His commitment to the sport helped foster an environment where cricket could develop as a competitive sport in the region.
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Batting Average | 50s/100s | Wickets | Bowling Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 30 | 875 | 32.41 | 5/1 | 40 | 27.15 |
| T20I | 45 | 520 | 28.89 | 3/0 | 25 | 32.80 |
| Overall | 75 | 1395 | 30.87 | 8/1 | 65 | 30.15 |
Conclusion
Nilantha Cooray's cricket career is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the game. His contributions have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Maldivian cricket, making him a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers in the region. His legacy continues through the players he has coached, and his statistics reflect a career spent chasing excellence on the cricket pitch.
Please Note: 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.
