In the world of cricket, a sport that unwavering passion and dedication, emerging stars are always a subject of intrigue commands and admiration. One such star, making significant strides on the international stage, is Sri Lanka’s Oshada Fernando. Born on April 15, 1992, in Colombo, Fernando has rapidly ascended the ranks to become a notable figure in Sri Lankan cricket. His journey from the local pitches of Colombo to the international cricket stadiums encapsulates not only his exceptional talent but also his profound commitment to the sport.
Fernando’s cricketing journey began with his debut for Colts Cricket Club in the 2010-11 Premier Trophy, marking the onset of a career characterized by remarkable achievements and steady growth. His ability to adapt to various formats of the game, coupled with his consistent performance, soon caught the attention of national selectors. By 2019, he was representing Sri Lanka in Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is, showcasing his versatility and skill in each format.
Oshada Fernando Batting Career Style
Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 21 | 37 | 4 | 1091 | 102 | 33.06 | 2204 | 49.5 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 125 | 11 |
ODI | 8 | 8 | 0 | 148 | 49 | 18.5 | 230 | 64.35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 3 |
T20I | 7 | 6 | 1 | 128 | 78 | 25.6 | 114 | 112.28 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 4 |
Bowling Career Style
Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 21 | 3 | 18 | 19 | 0 | 0/3 | 0/3 | 6.33 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
ODI | 8 | 1 | 12 | 16 | 0 | 0/16 | 0/16 | 8.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
T20I | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Career Information
Test debut vs South Africa at Kingsmead, Feb 13, 2019
Last Test vs New Zealand at Basin Reserve, Mar 17, 2023
ODI debut vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Mar 03, 2019
Last ODI vs England at County Ground, Jul 04, 2021
T20 debut vs Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Oct 09, 2019
Last T20 vs England at The Rose Bowl, Jun 26, 2021
Biography - Formative Years
Oshada Fernando was born on September 19, 1992, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Growing up in a country where cricket is more than just a sport, it’s a national passion, Fernando was naturally drawn to the game from a young age. His early life in Sri Lanka’s capital provided him with ample opportunities to engage with cricket, both as a spectator and a participant.
From a young age, Fernando showed a keen interest in cricket, often playing the game with friends and in local tournaments. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly made a name for himself in school-level cricket. This period was crucial in shaping his future career, as it laid the foundation for his technical skills and understanding of the game.
Fernando’s education, particularly his schooling, played a significant role in his development as a cricketer. Sri Lanka, with its rich cricketing heritage, has a strong system of nurturing young talent through school cricket tournaments, which are taken very seriously and are highly competitive.
While specific details about his educational background are not widely publicized, like many Sri Lankan cricketers, Fernando likely balanced his academic pursuits with a rigorous cricketing schedule during his school years. This balance is a common challenge for young cricketers in Sri Lanka, where the sport can often take precedence due to its cultural significance and the opportunities it presents.
During his school years, Fernando would have honed his skills, understanding the nuances of batting and adapting to different playing conditions. This period is often where future international players develop their signature styles and learn to handle pressure, both of which are crucial in professional cricket.
Cricket Career Journey
Oshada Fernando’s cricket career began with his first-class debut for the Colts Cricket Club during the 2010–11 Premier Trophy, a significant milestone, taking place on April 1, 2011.
By March 2018, Fernando’s prowess on the field led to his inclusion in Galle’s team for the 2017–18 Super Four Provincial Tournament. His cricket journey continued to ascend as, in August 2018, he was again a part of Galle’s squad, this time for the 2018–19 SLC Twenty20 Tournament. His outstanding performance during the 2018–19 Premier League Tournament, where he was the top run-scorer with 1,181 runs in nine matches, including six centuries, highlighted his batting capabilities.
In 2019, Fernando’s career saw further advancement. In March, he joined Dambulla’s team for the Super Provincial One Day Tournament. The following year, in October 2020, he was selected by the Dambulla Viiking for the inaugural Lanka Premier League. His rising trajectory continued in August 2021, when he was chosen for the SLC Reds team for the SLC Invitational T20 League tournament.
Fernando’s international career commenced in February 2019, marking a significant milestone when he was named in Sri Lanka’s Test squad for their series against South Africa. He made his Test debut against South Africa on February 13, 2019. In a memorable second match at Port Elizabeth, Fernando scored his first test fifty and, alongside Kusal Mendis, formed an unbeaten partnership that was instrumental in winning the match by 8 wickets. This victory was part of Sri Lanka’s historic first Test series win in South Africa.
The same month, Fernando expanded his international repertoire by joining Sri Lanka’s One Day International (ODI) squad for their series against South Africa, making his ODI debut on March 3, 2019. His T20 International (T20I) debut came in October 2019 against Pakistan, where he scored a match-winning unbeaten 78 runs, contributing to Sri Lanka’s 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan. Notably, his debut T20I score was the highest for a Sri Lankan batsman in their first match.
In December 2019, against Pakistan, Fernando scored his first century in Test cricket, showcasing his skill across different formats. His career continued to evolve as, in June 2022, he was part of the Sri Lanka A team for matches against Australia A. During the Test series against Australia, Fernando was brought in as a COVID-19 substitute in both matches, replacing Angelo Mathews in the first and Pathum Nissanka in the second.
Personal Life
Oshada Fernando, the Sri Lankan cricketer, is known for his dedication to his sport and has achieved significant recognition in his professional career. However, when it comes to his personal life, Fernando is quite private. He is married, but details about his wife, including her name and identity, have been kept out of the public eye. The couple is also blessed with a daughter, who appears to be around 2-3 years old. Fernando occasionally shares photos of his family on his social media platforms, particularly on Instagram where he is active, but he prefers to keep the specifics of his private life, including his married life and family details, confidential.
In terms of hobbies or other personal interests, there isn’t much publicly available information. It’s likely that Fernando, like many professional athletes, dedicates a significant amount of time to training and playing, which might not leave much room for other hobbies. His social media profiles mainly feature content related to his cricket career, which suggests a strong focus on his professional life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oshada Fernando stands as a testament to the rich cricketing talent emerging from Sri Lanka. His journey from the cricket fields of Colombo to the international arena is a story of perseverance, skill, and an unwavering love for the game. As a batsman who has shown remarkable prowess across all formats of cricket, Fernando has not only secured his place in the Sri Lankan national team but also in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts around the world.
His contributions to the team, particularly in pivotal matches, have been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s cricketing successes. Yet, despite his growing fame, Fernando maintains a low profile off the field, prioritizing his family and personal life. This balance of professional excellence and personal integrity further enhances his appeal as both a sportsman and a role model.
As his career progresses, Oshada Fernando continues to carry the hopes and expectations of a nation passionate about cricket. His story is not just about sporting success; it is about the spirit of cricket in Sri Lanka—a blend of talent, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. For cricket fans and aspiring players, Fernando’s journey offers inspiration and a reminder that dedication and skill can lead to remarkable achievements on the world stage.