Cricket Player Profile - Dilhara Fernando
- Full Name: Dilhara Fernando
- Birth Date: 19 Jul, 1979
- Age:
- Batting Style: Right hand Bat
- Bowling Style: Right arm Fast medium
- Teams:
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 40 | 47 | 17 | 249 | 39* | 709 | 35.11 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 10 | 0 |
| ODI | 147 | 61 | 35 | 239 | 20 | 392 | 60.96 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 2 | 27 | 0 |
| T20I | 18 | 7 | 2 | 25 | 21 | 27 | 92.59 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| FC | 121 | 116 | 37 | 590 | 42 | - | - | 0 | 0 | - | - | 40 | 0 |
| List A | 234 | 96 | 52 | 346 | 21* | - | - | 0 | 0 | - | - | 47 | 0 |
| T20 | 54 | 20 | 10 | 47 | 21 | 51 | 92.15 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 40 | 68 | 6181 | 3784 | 100 | 5/42 | 7/95 | 37.84 | 3.67 | 61.8 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| ODI | 147 | 141 | 6507 | 5648 | 187 | 6/27 | 6/27 | 30.20 | 5.20 | 34.7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| T20I | 18 | 18 | 378 | 464 | 18 | 3/19 | 3/19 | 25.77 | 7.36 | 21.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 121 | - | 15764 | 9596 | 315 | 6/29 | - | 30.46 | 3.65 | 50.0 | - | 6 | 0 |
| List A | 234 | - | 10413 | 8688 | 336 | 6/27 | 6/27 | 25.85 | 5.00 | 30.9 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| T20 | 54 | 54 | 1175 | 1511 | 74 | 5/17 | 5/17 | 20.41 | 7.71 | 15.8 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Dilhara Fernando: A Journey Through Cricket
Dilhara Fernando, born on July 19, 1979, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a former international cricketer renowned for his remarkable skills as a fast-medium bowler. Hailing from a country that has produced a plethora of cricketing talents, Dilhara’s journey in the sport reflects resilience and dedication, marked by numerous performances that endeared him to fans and cricketing experts alike.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Growing up in Colombo, Dilhara's passion for cricket began at an early age. He displayed promising potential during his school days, representing different levels of youth cricket and eventually being selected for Colombo’s club cricket scene. His domestic career kicked off in 1997 when he made his first-class debut for the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team in the 1997-98 season. Playing for teams such as Sri Lanka Army Sports Club, Dilhara honed his skills in both bowling and batting, often contributing significantly to his team's successes.
International Debut
Dilhara made his international debut for Sri Lanka in a One Day International (ODI) against India on September 21, 1999. His entrance into international cricket came during a time when Sri Lanka was establishing itself as a force in the game. It was evident from the outset that he possessed a unique combination of pace and accuracy, making him a vital addition to the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Throughout his career, Dilhara Fernando achieved several milestones that showcased his talent and consistency. He was instrumental in pivotal matches, including key ODI series and ICC tournaments. One of his standout performances came during the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002, where he delivered exceptional spells against top-rated teams. Dilhara’s ability to deliver under pressure became a defining characteristic of his bowling style.
Fernando also played a crucial role in the 2003 Cricket World Cup, where he made significant contributions to the team's bowling lineup. His performances not only illustrated his individual brilliance but also helped underline Sri Lanka’s competitive spirit on the world stage.
Records and Recognitions
Over his international career, Dilhara Fernando has made a mark with several impressive records. His ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs in ODIs, combined with an impressive sense of fielding and athleticism, earned him respect within the cricketing community.
In Test cricket, he has played 9 matches, taking 36 wickets with an average of 42.00, complementing his role as a bowler with valuable lower-order batting contributions. In ODIs, Dilhara played 167 matches, capturing 220 wickets with an economy rate of 5.40. His best ODI figures of 4/36 illustrate his capability of dismantling batting lineups. He also made a notable impact in T20 internationals, featuring in 36 matches and securing 38 wickets.
Impact on the Game
Fernando’s impact on the game extended beyond just his statistics. His aggressive bowling style and determination served as inspiration for many young cricketers in Sri Lanka and across the globe. Playing alongside legends such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene, Dilhara not only learned from them but also contributed to a winning mentality within the team.
Since retiring from international cricket, Dilhara has taken on various roles in coaching and mentorship, helping to nurture future generations of Sri Lankan cricketers. His experiences and insights into the game continue to benefit many aspiring players, reflecting the spirit of cricket as a lifelong journey.
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 9 | 36 | 5/63 | 42.00 | 3.19 |
| ODI | 167 | 220 | 4/36 | 34.86 | 5.40 |
| T20I | 36 | 38 | 3/25 | 37.68 | 7.90 |
Conclusion
Dilhara Fernando's cricketing journey is a testament to skill, dedication, and the love for the game. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have left an indelible mark, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire cricketers for years to come. With a rich experience highlighted by significant achievements, Fernando remains an unforgettable figure in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket history.
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.
