Step back in time to March 2, 1986, when a 20-year-old Roshan Mahanama made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka against Pakistan at Kandy. Batting at number 7, Mahanama showed glimpses of his future greatness with a composed and technically correct innings against a strong bowling attack. This was the beginning of a stellar ODI career that would span 213 matches, yielding 5,162 runs at an average of 29.49, including 4 centuries and 35 fifties. His highest score remained an unbeaten 119*, and he proved to be a rock in the field with 109 catches—one of Sri Lanka’s best fielders during his era.
Join us as we revisit his debut and relive the humble beginnings of a key figure in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning side. Watch, enjoy, and celebrate the early days of Roshan Mahanama’s cricket journey! 🏏🇱🇰
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00:00At just 20 years of age, a young and composed Roshan Mahanama took his first stride onto
00:06the international stage, making his one-day international debut for Sri Lanka against
00:10a formidable Pakistan side in the first ODI at Kandy on March 2, 1986.
00:16Slotted in at number 7, Roshan Mahanama walked out to bat amidst pressure and high expectation.
00:23With a calm presence and sound technique, he offered a glimpse of the grace and grit
00:27that would define his career in the years to come.
00:31Though only a debutant, there were already signs of a best man destined to serve Sri Lanka
00:36with resilience and reliability.
00:38Let us revisit the humble yet significant beginning of a man who would go on to become a cornerstone
00:44of Sri Lankan cricket.
00:46Watch Roshan Mahanama's debut innings a glimpse into greatness.
00:50Three boundaries, Roshan Mahanama gets lost to mark, that's the very first delivery
01:01he fits, the score moves up to 84.
01:04It's on the up off the back foot by Dyas, they get one, Mahanama is running for the second
01:13and he'll get it, and Salim Malik does the fielding, two runs to Dyas.
01:23That was outside the off-stamp, square-cut, but down to Deepakstakara, Ramis Rajad does
01:27the fielding.
01:28Mahanama moves on to two and the score moves up to 90, and 19 overs have now been completed.
01:38Control the pitch, they went down to Deepakstakara, Vazim Malik, there's the fielding.
01:45One to Mahanama, and the score moves up to 93 for five.
01:50That's a lead break.
01:53Mahanama's choice, courage puts down the pitch and steps it.
01:58That's a lead break.
02:01Mahanama's choice, courage puts down the pitch and steps it.
02:05Mahanama moves up to 94 for five.
02:12Mahanama just tucks it gently down the square legs, and they take two runs.
02:32Sri Lanka are now 100 quicits.
02:37Nuntas.
02:39And that was attempted Yoka.
02:44Pitch Mahanama on the pad.
02:48Just about, we had a very dreary morning here.
02:52No play at all.
02:53In fact, play was delayed for just about three hours.
02:58And started to commence to pop up for one.
03:02And hence, the match has been restricted to a 25 over game.
03:0825 overs for each side.
03:12Roshan Mahanama was a technically sound and dependable top-order best man who represented Sri Lanka in the 1980s and 1990s.
03:19Known for his calm demeanor and strong work ethic, he played 213 one-day international between 1986 and 1999, scoring 5,162 runs at an average of 29.49, including four centuries and 35.50s.
03:36With the highest score of 119 nut outs, Roshan Mahanama was an integral part of Sri Lankan rise in world cricket, playing a key role in their historic 1996 World Cup triumph.
03:48In addition to his batting contribution, he was a brilliant fielder, taking 109 catches in ODIs.
03:54While not the most flamboyant, his consistency, fitness and fielding standards made him one of Sri Lanka's most valuable assert during his time.
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