Explain Sri Lanka cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka in 500 words
Danushka Gunathilaka is a professional cricketer from Sri Lanka. Born on December 17, 1990, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Gunathilaka is a left-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler. He has represented Sri Lanka in all three formats of the game - Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Gunathilaka made his international debut in a T20I against South Africa in August However, it was in the ODI format where he made his mark. He played his first ODI against Bangladesh in April 2017 and scored a brilliant century on debut, becoming only the second Sri Lankan to achieve this feat. Gunathilaka's knock of 116 runs off 111 balls helped Sri Lanka secure a comfortable victory.
Known for his aggressive batting style, Gunathilaka has the ability to dominate the opposition with his powerful strokes. He is particularly strong on the leg side and can hit the ball effortlessly over the boundary ropes. His aggressive approach often puts pressure on the bowlers and helps Sri Lanka set or chase down challenging targets.
Gunathilaka's success in ODIs earned him a place in the Test squad as well. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh in March While he hasn't scored big in the longest format of the game yet, Gunathilaka has shown glimpses of his talent and potential. With his attacking mindset, he has the ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order in Test matches as well.
Apart from his batting skills, Gunathilaka is also a useful off-break bowler. While he may not be a regular bowler, he has picked up crucial wickets for Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket. His off-spin provides a valuable option for the captain and adds depth to the team's bowling attack.
However, Gunathilaka's career has not been without controversies. In 2017, he was suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for six international matches due to a disciplinary breach during a series against India. This incident affected his reputation and resulted in a setback in his career. However, Gunathilaka has worked hard to regain his place in the national team and has shown maturity both on and off the field since then.
Gunathilaka's contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have been significant. He has played crucial roles in several victories for his country and has been a consistent performer over the years. His ability to score runs quickly and his versatility as a cricketer make him an asset to the Sri Lankan team.
In conclusion, Danushka Gunathilaka is a talented cricketer from Sri Lanka who has made a name for himself in international cricket. With his aggressive batting style, he has the potential to become one of the leading batsmen in the world. However, he needs to maintain discipline and consistency to reach greater heights in his career.