By Bipin Dani
In a heartwarming and unexpected turn of events, Sri Lankan cricketer Dimuth Karunaratne, who was retiring after his 100th Test, bowled the final over of the match against Australia in Galle. This rare and touching moment was orchestrated by Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who entrusted Karunaratne with the responsibility despite him being an irregular bowler.
The result of the Test and the series was already decided when Karunaratne was brought in to bowl. This gesture was not strategic but purely symbolic, allowing Karunaratne to savor the final moments of his illustrious career on the field.
Throughout his 100 Tests, Karunaratne had bowled on a few occasions and managed to grab two Test wickets. His inclusion in the final over was a testament to his versatility and the respect he commanded within the team. His bowling average has now increased to 101 from 99.50 which was prior to this farewell Test.
The crowd watched in anticipation as Karunaratne delivered the final over, marking the end of a distinguished career that saw him score over 7,000 runs and achieve 16 centuries. This final over was a fitting tribute to a player who had been a rock at the top of the Sri Lankan order for over a decade.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to give Karunaratne this final opportunity was met with applause from both the Australian players and the spectators, who recognized the emotional weight of the moment. It was a poignant and memorable chapter in Karunaratne’s cricketing journey, highlighting the respect and admiration he earned from his teammates and fans alike.
