A Sri Lankan cricketer who played 23 Test matches and 35 One Day Internationals, known for his aggressive batting style and impressive fielding skills.
Sidath Wettimuny is renowned for his exceptional cricketing skills, particularly as an opening batsman, who played Test cricket and One Day Internationals (ODIs) for Sri Lanka from 1982 to 1987. He is celebrated for his defensive batting style, which earned him a Wisden Cricketers of the Year award in 1985.
Sidath Wettimuny was born on August 12, 1956, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Ramsey Wettimuny, a cricket enthusiast who later became the chief engineer of the Sri Lanka Transport Board. Wettimuny's father installed in him the approach to batting advocated by English cricketer C. B. Fry. His brothers, Mithra and Sunil, also went on to play cricket for Sri Lanka.
Wettimuny made his international debut with a composed 46 in an ODI against England, and later scored his highest ODI score of 86 not out, which helped Sri Lanka draw their first ODI series. In the 1981-82 tour of Pakistan, he established himself in the team, scoring 71 runs in the first Test before recording Sri Lanka's first Test century at Faisalabad.
Wettimuny's cricketing career was marked by several milestones, including being named as one of Wisden's Five Cricketers of the Year in 1985. He was an integral part of the Sri Lankan team that drew their first ODI series against England and eventually won their first Test match against India in 1985.
Sidath Wettimuny's contributions to Sri Lankan cricket cannot be overstated. He was one of the pioneers of Sri Lankan cricket, paving the way for future generations of cricketers. His defensive batting style and ability to graft for runs inspired many young cricketers in Sri Lanka.
Wettimuny's legacy extends beyond his cricketing achievements. He is remembered as a true pioneer of Sri Lankan cricket, who helped put the country on the cricketing map. His award-winning career inspires young cricketers in Sri Lanka to follow in his footsteps.
Sidath Wettimuny's remarkable cricketing career serves as a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport. He will always be remembered as a trailblazer in Sri Lankan cricket, inspiring generations to come.
62 Years Old
A Sri Lankan cricket legend and politician who led his country to a historic Cricket World Cup victory in 1996 and later served as a government minister. He's a national hero and iconic figure in Sri Lankan sports and politics.
60 Years Old
A legendary Sri Lankan cricketer who dominated the sport in the 1990s, leading his team to World Cup victory in 1996 and earning a reputation as one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
57 Years Old
A legendary Sri Lankan cricketer and politician, known for his aggressive batting style and record-breaking scores in One Day Internationals. He also served as a member of the Sri Lankan parliament.
54 Years Old
A Sri Lankan cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the sport, known for his unorthodox style and record-breaking wickets. He is a legendary figure in the cricket world, celebrated for his incredible skills and achievements.
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55 Years Old
A former Sri Lankan cricket captain and opening batsman, known for his defensive playing style and impressive Test cricket record.
60 Years Old
A former Sri Lankan cricketer who later became an international umpire, known for his fair decisions and officiating in several high-profile cricket matches.
