Cricket Player Profile - Danushka Gunathilaka
- Full Name: Danushka Gunathilaka
- Birth Date: 17 Mar, 1991
- Age:
- Batting Style: Left hand Bat
- Bowling Style: Right arm Offbreak
- Teams:
Batting & Fielding Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | BF | SR | 100 | 50 | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 8 | 16 | 0 | 299 | 61 | 597 | 50.08 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 3 | 6 | 0 |
| ODIs | 47 | 46 | 1 | 1601 | 133 | 1844 | 86.82 | 2 | 11 | 172 | 20 | 14 | 0 |
| T20Is | 46 | 45 | 0 | 741 | 57 | 615 | 120.48 | 0 | 3 | 78 | 21 | 21 | 0 |
| FC | 56 | 91 | 2 | 2495 | 152 | 3899 | 63.99 | 3 | 13 | 310 | 44 | 62 | 0 |
| List A | 149 | 145 | 15 | 4740 | 133 | 5706 | 83.07 | 9 | 32 | 487 | 87 | 68 | 0 |
| T20s | 138 | 135 | 10 | 3017 | 102* | 2397 | 125.86 | 1 | 17 | 321 | 100 | 48 | 0 |
Bowling Average
| Type | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 8 | 6 | 198 | 111 | 1 | 1/16 | 1/57 | 111.00 | 3.36 | 198.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 47 | 22 | 402 | 371 | 8 | 3/48 | 3/48 | 46.37 | 5.53 | 50.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 46 | 12 | 123 | 155 | 6 | 2/3 | 2/3 | 25.83 | 7.56 | 20.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 56 | 59 | 3657 | 1954 | 64 | 6/70 | 9/118 | 30.53 | 3.20 | 57.1 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| List A | 149 | 73 | 2285 | 1744 | 50 | 5/28 | 5/28 | 34.88 | 4.57 | 45.7 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| T20s | 138 | 52 | 755 | 936 | 36 | 4/21 | 4/21 | 26.00 | 7.43 | 20.9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Biography of Danushka Gunathilaka
Early Life
Danushka Gunathilaka was born on March 17, 1991, in Panadura, Sri Lanka. Hailing from a cricket-loving nation, Gunathilaka showed an early interest in the sport and exhibited remarkable talent as a young cricketer. Growing up in a family that supported his aspirations, he began playing cricket in local clubs and school competitions. His passion for the game and hard work enabled him to develop his skills, particularly as a left-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler.
Domestic Career
Gunathilaka made his first-class debut for the Sinhalese Sports Club in the 2012-13 season and quickly established himself as a key player. His consistent performances in domestic cricket, particularly in the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) and other domestic tournaments, highlighted his ability to dominate bowlers and contribute effectively with the ball. His performances earned him recognition, and he soon caught the attention of national selectors.
International Debut
Gunathilaka made his international debut for Sri Lanka in a Twenty20 International (T20I) match against Australia on 17th February 2017. His entry into international cricket was marked with excitement, as he had been a part of the national setup across various age groups. He made a meaningful impact right from his debut, showcasing his aggressive batting style and ability to bowl tight off-spin.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Danushka's performance in T20Is set the tone for his growing reputation. He scored his maiden international fifty against South Africa, indicating his potential as a match-winner. In ODI cricket, Gunathilaka was part of the Sri Lankan squad during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, showcasing his capability to perform on the biggest stage in cricket.
One of his most significant achievements came during a T20I series against India in 2021, where he scored a brilliant 80 runs off 48 balls in the second T20I, demonstrating his ability to take on world-class bowlers. His performances not only secured victories for his team but also solidified his place in the national side.
Records and Impact
Gunathilaka has been known for his explosive batting and has played numerous memorable innings for Sri Lanka. His unique playing style has made him a crowd favorite, and he has been instrumental in many high-stakes matches. Though he is primarily known for his batting skills, his off-spin bowling has also added depth to the Sri Lankan bowling lineup, making him a valuable all-rounder.
Beyond statistics, Gunathilaka's impact on Sri Lankan cricket is evident in his role as a match-winner in pivotal games. His ability to adapt to different formats of the game showcases his versatility and cricketing intelligence.
Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Highest Score | 50s | 100s | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | 47 | 46 | 1,439 | 33.16 | 133 | 3 | 1 | 15 | 3/42 |
| T20I | 43 | 42 | 1,089 | 27.22 | 80 | 5 | 0 | 8 | 2/16 |
| Test | 8 | 14 | 279 | 19.92 | 83 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/57 |
Conclusion
Danushka Gunathilaka continues to be an influential player for Sri Lanka cricket, bringing flair and determination to every match. His journey from local clubs to the international arena is a testament to his dedication and talent. With each game, Gunathilaka not only aims to add to his statistics but also to inspire young cricketers across the nation, shaping the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
