Teenage sensation Vishmi Gunaratne reaches rare milestone
Vishmi Gunaratne achieved a rare milestone in Sri Lankan women’s cricket by scoring her maiden One-Day International (ODI) century. Her unbeaten 101 against Ireland in the first ODI not only marked her first century but also made her the youngest Sri Lankan batter to reach this milestone in ODI cricket. At just 18 years and 360 days, she broke the previous record held by current Sri Lankan captain, Chamari Athapaththu, who had set the record in 2011.
Gunaratne’s journey began when she made her ODI debut in July 2022 against India. Her impressive performance quickly established her as a key player. By her fifth ODI, she had already scored her first fifty, sharing a notable 159-run opening partnership with Athapaththu, which remains Sri Lanka’s highest in Women’s ODIs.
Her recent performances cemented her place as one of the most reliable batters for Sri Lanka. In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers 2024, Gunaratne was the third highest scorer with 189 runs. She continued her fine form in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, earning the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 51 against Bangladesh.
Sri Lankan women’s cricket Head Coach, Rumesh Ratnayake, has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes. A former fast bowler for the Sri Lankan men’s team, Ratnayake has implemented a fearless approach to the game. He emphasises a positive mindset, encouraging players to focus on their strengths rather than dwell on mistakes.
“We aim to create an environment where players can perform without fear. If they make mistakes, we guide them constructively. The key is to maintain a positive attitude and focus on improvement,” Ratnayake explained.
Ratnayake’s methods include detailed analysis of player techniques and constant encouragement. For instance, he has stressed the importance of proper back-lift in batting, a technique observed in great players like Virat Kohli and Sanath Jayasuriya. This technical insight has helped players like Gunaratne enhance her performance.
Ratnayake also highlighted the significance of competitive spirit within the team. Initiatives like timed running between wickets and friendly competitions among players have fostered a culture of continuous improvement and motivation.
Looking ahead, Ratnayake remains optimistic about the team’s future. Despite trailing 0-1 in the three-match series against Ireland, the Sri Lankan women are ready to make a comeback. They will play the second ODI today at Belfast at 3:15pm Sri Lankan time, with the final match scheduled for August 20.
The Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, under Ratnayake’s guidance, is not just aiming for victories but also striving to build a robust foundation for the future. The emergence of players like Vishmi Gunaratne signals a new era of talent and potential in Sri Lankan women’s cricket.