9 Facts about Avishka Fernando – the mystery opener from Sri Lanka

Young Sri Lanka batsman Avishka Fernando is surely one of the very few lucky players who get an international call up before making their First Class debuts. The 18-year-old stylish right-handed batsman was picked up in the Sri Lankan squad for the limited series against Australia. For most people, he was a new name but for the ones keenly following the Sri Lankan cricket, this name was always knocking the door for attention. Here are some amazing facts about Avishka Fernando:

1. Roots and beginnings

Weerahandige Inol Avishka Fernando was born on 5 April 1998 at Wadduwa. He made an early start to his cricket career and no wonder how he made such giant strides at such a young age. He attended the St. Sebastian’s College in Moratuwa. Interestingly, the other surprise selection for Australia series – Amila Aponso – is also a graduate from the same college.

2. Juggernaut at School

Avishka made it to the first XI of his school team and scored heavily in the school tournaments. It was his heroics in the school tournaments that earned him a slot in the national U19 side. He hit centuries on a consistent basis as a 14-year-old at school. He hit over 1000 runs in 2015 school cricket season.

3. U19 debut at 16

In the year 2014, he made it to the Sri Lanka U19 team. A right-handed batsman by style, Avishka Fernando bats in the opening slot and is known for being a hard hitter.

4. Century in the second match

It was in his very second match, against Australia U19s, that he scored a gallant 127 off just 103 balls against a visiting Australian side.

5. Making a mark in the ICC U19 World Cup

He shot to fame during his gritty knock against England U19 in the ICC U19 World Cup 2016 in Bangladesh. Chasing 185 for the win, he scored 95 off 96 balls and guided his team to a comfortable 6 wicket win in the quarterfinals.

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6. Backing it up with another 90

When the South Africa U19 team visited Sri Lanka in July 2016, the stage was set for Avishka Fernando to launch again. Coming in to bat at an unusual number 3 position and playing as a skipper, he scored 97 off 115 balls in tough conditions. The second-highest score in the innings was just 26.

7. Consecutive centuries and historic series win

His efforts against the England U19 in the bilateral limited-overs series in 2016 helped Sri Lanka U19 register their first ever whitewash against the England U19 team. His knock of 96-ball 117 helped Sri Lanka U19 chase down 315 at Chelmsford. He backed it up with a 134-ball 138 at Canterbury to set the stage for another win for Sri Lanka U19.

8. Love for the big teams

Even at the U19 level, Avishka has shown a special liking to the England U19 and the Australian U19 teams – scoring heavily against them. Having played 6 matches against England U19, he has 420 runs to his name at an average of 70. Against Australia, he has amassed 187 runs in 5 matches at an average of 61.33.

9. National call-up without any First Class or List A experience

Owing to his heroics for Sri Lanka U19 against the England U19, Avishka got a surpise call to the national side for the ODI series against Australia. He had no senior cricket experience before making it to the national squad. He had only played age group cricket.