Records Shattered by Milan Rathnayake in His Stunning 72-Run Knock

Milan Rathnayake‘s 72-run knock in his debut Test match has set the cricket world abuzz with a series of remarkable achievements. His innings not only showcased his talent but also saw him etch his name into the annals of cricket history with several record-breaking feats. Let’s delve into the records Rathnayake shattered during this stunning performance.

Balwinder Sandhu’s 41-Year-Old Record Shattered 

One of the standout achievements from Rathnayake’s innings was breaking a long-standing record held by former Indian cricketer Balwinder Sandhu. Sandhu had set the record for the highest individual score by a debutant batting at No. 9 with his 71 against Pakistan in 1983. Rathnayake surpassed this milestone with his impressive 72, surpassing Sandhu’s record by just one run. Rathnayake’s innings is a testament to his resilience and skill, particularly as he managed to exceed a record that had stood for over four decades.

First Sri Lankan No. 9 to hit 50

Rathnayake’s debut was like a cricketing thunderbolt! As the first Sri Lankan debutant to hit a half-century from No. 9 or lower, he turned the record books upside down. Smashing Suresh Perera’s 43 from 1998 with a sizzling 72, Rathnayake not only rewrote history but also showcased that even lower-order batters can have nerves of steel and a taste for fireworks!

A Career-Defining Record

Interestingly, Rathnayake’s 72-run innings was a career first in several ways. Prior to this match, his highest score in domestic cricket had been 59, with only two half-centuries recorded in 88 innings. His performance in this Test match marked the first time he had surpassed the 59-run mark, setting a new career record. This achievement adds a special significance to his debut, highlighting how he rose to the occasion and delivered an extraordinary performance under the spotlight.

As Sri Lankan debutant breaks sixes record

In addition to his record-setting score, Rathnayake also distinguished himself with his power hitting. He smashed two sixes in his innings, becoming the first Sri Lankan debutant to hit two sixes while batting at No. 9 or below in Test matches. His sixes came off deliveries from Shoaib Bashir and Joe Root, showcasing his ability to clear the boundary with ease. This performance not only added to his impressive tally but also set a new benchmark for power-hitting by a debutant in this position.

30-year-old Darren Gough record broken

Rathnayake also broke a notable record previously held by Darren Gough, who scored 65 while batting at No. 9 for England against New Zealand in 1994. Gough’s innings had stood as the highest individual score by a tailender on debut at Old Trafford for 30 years. Rathnayake’s 72 not only eclipsed Gough’s record but also set a new mark for the highest aggregate by a debutant at Old Trafford, surpassing Paul Allott’s total of 66 runs from two innings in 1981.

Milan Rathnayake’s debut innings was truly remarkable, breaking several records and establishing new benchmarks in Test cricket. His 72-run knock surpassed long-standing records and marked significant personal milestones, making it a defining moment in his career.

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