Sri Lanka‘s prominent cricket figure, Lahiru Thirimanne, has recently declared his retirement from the international cricket arena after a successful 12-year career. The 33-year-old batsman, who made his debut in 2010, has left an indelible mark on the sport. He participated in 44 Test matches, 127 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and 26 T20 Internationals.
Thirimanne’s cricket journey was highlighted by his involvement in three ICC T20 World Cups, most notably contributing to Sri Lanka’s victory in the 2014 edition of the tournament. Additionally, he had the distinction of representing his country in a couple of ODI World Cups and had the honour of captaining the team in five ODIs.
Lahiru Thirimanne scored 3,194 runs in 106 innings with an average of 34.71
In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Thirimanne expressed his deep dedication to the game, acknowledging that he gave his utmost effort, respected the spirit of the sport, and faithfully fulfilled his duty to his motherland throughout his career.
Although he did not reveal all the reasons behind his decision to retire, he admitted that it was a challenging choice to make. Nonetheless, he took the opportunity to convey his gratitude to the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) members, coaches, teammates, physios, trainers, and analysts for their unwavering support and encouragement during his journey.
The final international appearance of Thirimanne for Sri Lanka took place in March 2022 during a Test match against India in Bengaluru. During his prime, he was widely regarded as one of the team’s most reliable batters, particularly excelling in the 50-over format.
He amassed an impressive record of 3,194 runs in 106 innings, maintaining an average of 34.71. His remarkable achievements included scoring four centuries and 24 half-centuries. Sharing his reflections on Instagram, Thirimanne expressed immense pride in representing his country throughout his 13-year career, thanking everyone for the unforgettable memories and well wishes he received.
As he steps away from international cricket, he bids farewell to the sport with a hopeful outlook for the future, expressing his anticipation of what lies ahead in the next chapter of his life. With his retirement, Sri Lanka bids adieu to a skilled cricketer whose contributions have enriched the nation’s cricketing legacy.
Lahiru Thirimanne’s name will be forever etched in the annals of cricket history as a testament to his commitment and dedication to the sport and his country. As fans and colleagues celebrate his achievements, they eagerly await the unfolding of new talent and the continuation of Sri Lanka’s cricketing journey in the years to come.
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