When you think about Sri Lanka’s modern Test cricket era, one name that always stands out is Dimuth Karunaratne. A steady opener, a resilient leader, and a player who thrives under pressure, Karunaratne has carved out a reputation as one of the most reliable batsmen in world cricket.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Dimuth Karunaratne’s career stats, achievements, and journey—from his early days in Colombo to becoming Sri Lanka’s Test captain and a vital figure in international cricket. Whether you’re a hardcore cricket fan or just curious about his story, this breakdown will give you a fresh appreciation of his impact on the game.
Who Is Dimuth Karunaratne?
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Full Name: Dimuth Karunaratne
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Born: April 21, 1988 (Age 37)
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Birthplace: Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Height: 6 ft 0 in
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Role: Opening Batsman
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Batting Style: Left-Handed Bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm Medium
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Country: Sri Lanka
Dimuth Karunaratne’s journey in cricket began in the bustling capital city of Colombo. Standing at six feet tall, he has always been known for his elegant left-handed technique at the top of the order, coupled with the patience and grit needed to succeed in the longest format of the game.
Dimuth Karunaratne in Test Cricket
If there’s one arena where Karunaratne shines brightest, it’s Test cricket. Over the years, he has built his reputation as Sri Lanka’s dependable opener—someone who can weather the storm of new-ball spells and lay the foundation for big innings.
Test Career Stats
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Matches: 100
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Innings: 191
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Runs Scored: 7,222
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Balls Faced: 14,024
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Highest Score: 244
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Average: 39.25
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Strike Rate: 51.50
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Not Outs: 7
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Fours: 764
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Sixes: 12
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50s: 39
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100s: 16
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200s: 1
What Makes His Test Career Special?
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Longevity and Consistency – Playing 100 Tests is no small feat. It speaks volumes about his fitness, form, and importance to Sri Lankan cricket.
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Big Innings Player – His top score of 244 is proof that when he settles in, he can bat for hours and turn the game around.
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A Captain’s Role – Beyond personal milestones, Karunaratne has led Sri Lanka with determination, guiding a team in transition.
His average of nearly 40 is particularly impressive for an opener who has often faced some of the best pace attacks in the world.
Dimuth Karunaratne in ODIs
While Test cricket has been his stronghold, Karunaratne has also contributed in the One Day International (ODI) format. Although not as prolific as in Tests, he has played key innings when the team needed stability at the top.
ODI Career Stats
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Matches: 50
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Innings: 46
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Runs Scored: 1,316
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Balls Faced: 1,655
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Highest Score: 103
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Average: 31.33
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Strike Rate: 79.52
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Not Outs: 4
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Fours: 131
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Sixes: 1
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50s: 11
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100s: 1
ODI Highlights
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Karunaratne’s maiden ODI century (103) showcased his ability to adapt his naturally patient style to the faster pace of the 50-over game.
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With a strike rate close to 80, he has provided solid starts, even if he wasn’t always the most aggressive player at the top.
Dimuth Karunaratne in T20Is
Interestingly, Karunaratne has never featured in T20 Internationals for Sri Lanka.
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Matches: 0
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Runs: 0
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Strike Rate: –
This absence isn’t surprising. His strengths—patience, endurance, and classical stroke play—are better suited for the longer formats rather than the high-paced demands of T20 cricket.
Bowling Contributions
Though primarily a batsman, Karunaratne has occasionally rolled his arm over as a right-arm medium pacer. While his bowling stats aren’t eye-catching, they add an extra dimension to his cricketing profile.
Test Bowling Stats
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Matches: 100
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Innings: 15
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Balls Bowled: 312
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Wickets: 2
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Runs Conceded: 202
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Average: 101.0
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Economy Rate: 3.88
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Best Figures: 1/12
ODI Bowling Stats
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Matches: 50
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Innings: 2
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Balls Bowled: 16
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Wickets: 0
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Economy Rate: 6.75
Clearly, bowling has never been a significant part of his role, but it reflects his willingness to contribute in any way possible.
Career Milestones
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Test Debut: vs New Zealand, Nov 17, 2012, at Galle International Stadium
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Last Test: vs Australia, Feb 6, 2025, at Galle International Stadium
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ODI Debut: vs England, Jul 9, 2011, at Emirates Old Trafford
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Last ODI: vs India, Nov 2, 2023, at Wankhede Stadium
These milestones highlight his 13+ years of international cricket, a career that has spanned across generations of Sri Lankan players.
Dimuth Karunaratne’s Playing Style
What makes Karunaratne unique isn’t flashy sixes or extravagant stroke play. Instead, his style is built on:
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Patience: He’s known for leaving deliveries outside off-stump for long periods.
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Solid Technique: His defensive game makes him tough to dismiss early.
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Calm Under Pressure: Often shines in challenging conditions against top bowlers.
In many ways, he embodies the classic Test match opener—a role increasingly rare in modern cricket dominated by shorter formats.
Also Read : Imran Tahir Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Leadership and Captaincy
One of the defining aspects of his career was being handed the Sri Lankan Test captaincy during a difficult phase for the team.
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He led from the front, scoring runs while stabilizing a relatively inexperienced squad.
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His calm demeanor and steady leadership brought balance to the dressing room.
Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka achieved notable overseas victories, reinforcing his role as a dependable leader.
Why Dimuth Karunaratne Matters to Sri Lankan Cricket
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A Steady Opener in a Volatile Era – With frequent changes in the batting order, Karunaratne’s consistency has been invaluable.
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Role Model for Young Players – His discipline and work ethic make him an inspiration for upcoming Sri Lankan cricketers.
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A True Test Specialist – In a world leaning heavily toward T20s, he keeps the art of Test batting alive.
Final Thoughts
Dimuth Karunaratne may not always dominate headlines like some of the flashier cricketers of his era, but his contributions are undeniable. With over 7,000 Test runs, more than a decade of international experience, and a reputation for resilience, he has become one of Sri Lanka’s most respected cricketers.
In many ways, he represents the soul of Test cricket—patient, tough, and endlessly reliable. As Sri Lanka continues to transition into a new era, his legacy as a dependable opener and leader will remain a cornerstone of their cricketing history.
