Kangeni Randhi Dilhara Fernando, popularly known as Dilhara Fernando, was born on this day in 1979 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He started out as a basketball player during his school days, but after being recognized for his height and build by his college coach, Fernando caught everyone’s attention and never looked back since then. The veteran pacer quickly became a part of the Sri Lanka U-19 team with his unsteady pace. After working hard for two years in the domestic circuit, the right-arm bowler earned a national call-up and made his Test debut in 2000 against Pakistan. The following year he made his ODI debut against South Africa.
Able to swing the ball from both sides, he is best known for his rare technique of throwing the slow ball. His well disguised slow ball was very difficult to pick up as the delivery action looked similar. The fast bowler has so far taken 100 wickets in 40 Tests and 187 wickets in 147 ODIs. He has represented the Islanders in only 18 T20Is in which he has taken 18 wickets. Fernando’s career has been rife with injuries, compounded further with inconsistent line and length that cost him a spot in the side.
As the veteran pacer celebrates his day, we take a look at some of his impressive mantras:
5/42 vs India – 1st Test, 2001: An inspired spell of fast bowling from Fernando put the visitors on the back foot after a scintillating start from the top order. He came back with figures of 5/42, while compatriot Muttiah Muralitharan took three wickets in the first innings and five wickets in the second innings to help his team win by 10 wickets.
7/95 vs Bangladesh – 2nd Test, 2005: After the hosts posted 431 in their first innings, Fernando picked up five wickets in the first innings to help them restrict their Asian neighbors to 157. Bangladesh’s follow-on effort was also a similar effort as they were bundled out for 181 runs. Fernando took two wickets to help his team win the match by an innings and 69 runs.
3/19 vs Bangladesh – 3rd ODI, 2005: In the third ODI in Colombo, Fernando bowled eight overs, taking one maiden and three wickets, while conceding just 19 runs to restrict Bangladesh to 108. The Islanders chased down a total of 21 overs and won the match by six wickets (D/L method).
3/19 vs New Zealand – 2nd T20I, 2006: His team was bundled out for just 115 runs by the Kiwi team. Fernando was the only bowler in the Sri Lankan arsenal to take any wicket, taking three for 19, but his chase effort resulted in a stumble. New Zealand eventually won the match with five wickets and nine balls to spare.
6/27 vs England – 5th ODI, 2007: Defending a total of 211 runs, Fernando starred in his team’s 107-run victory in the final ODI against England in Colombo. He devastated the English line-up by taking six wickets for just 27 runs. It is considered his best ever.
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