Biography of Thilan Samaraweera

Early Life

Thilan Samaraweera was born on September 22, 1976, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Growing up in a cricket-obsessed nation, he was introduced to the sport at a young age, inspired by the legendary cricketers of Sri Lanka. Samaraweera honed his skills through school cricket, representing St. Peter's College in Colombo, where he garnered attention for his impressive batting technique. He was known for his composed demeanor at the crease and his ability to play spin—a skill that would become crucial in his international career.

Domestic Career

Samaraweera made his mark in domestic cricket, representing teams like Colombo and later Sri Lanka A. His consistent performances in domestic tournaments earned him a place in the national squad. Known for his resilience and technique, he became a key middle-order batsman for his domestic teams, racking up runs and averaging impressively, which led to his selection for the national side.

International Debut

Thilan Samaraweera made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Sri Lanka on June 20, 2000, against Zimbabwe. His Test debut followed soon after, on March 20, 2001, also against Zimbabwe. Despite a slow start to his international career, Samaraweera displayed glimpses of his potential, which he would later realize in a big way.

Key Milestones and Career Achievements

Samaraweera's career spanned over a decade, during which he became an integral part of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Some of the key milestones and achievements in his career include: - **First Test Century**: His first Test century came against Pakistan in 2009, where he scored a remarkable 100 not out, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the batting order. - **Subcontinental Success**: Known for his ability to perform in subcontinental conditions, he played crucial innings against renowned bowling attacks, making him a vital cog during challenging series. - **Key Series Contributions**: In the 2009 Test series against India, Samaraweera scored an impressive 2 centuries, significantly contributing to Sri Lanka's success in the series. - **Career Highlights**: In 2010, Samaraweera achieved a personal best of 143 against India in a Test match in Galle. His ability to playSpin and build partnerships was instrumental in many matches.

Records and Impact on the Game

Samaraweera's style of play and technique made him a unique asset for Sri Lanka. He was notably one of the few players to combine grit with a solid technique. Over his career, he set various records, including being one of the highest run-scorers for Sri Lanka in their history during his time. His impact extended beyond just statistics; he was a role model for aspiring cricketers in Sri Lanka. His work ethic and dedication resonated with young players, especially in how to build an innings and adapt to different playing conditions, particularly in facing spin bowling.

Career Statistics

Below are Thilan Samaraweera's career statistics across all formats:

Test Statistics

Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	100s	50s
81	131	5,462	48.00	6	12

ODI Statistics

Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	100s	50s
53	81	1,059	37.85	1	7

T20I Statistics

Matches	Innings	Runs	Average	100s	50s
2	2	11	5.50	0	0

Conclusion

Thilan Samaraweera's career reflects the journey of a dedicated cricketer who played with great resilience and skill. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket will be remembered through his remarkable performances, his reliability in the middle order, and his influence on younger generations of cricketers. He retired from international cricket with a commendable record and remains a respected figure in the cricketing community.

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