Dhammika Prasad

{{Infobox cricketer

| name = Dhammika Prasad

| image = Dammika prasad.jpg

| country = Sri Lanka

| fullname = Kariyawasam Tirana Gamage Dhammika Prasad

| nickname = Dammi

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|5|30|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Ragama, Sri Lanka

| heightft = 5

| heightinch = 10

| batting = Right-handed

| bowling = Right arm fast-medium

| role = Bowler

| international = true

| internationalspan = 2006–2015

| testdebutdate = 8 August

| testdebutyear = 2008

| testdebutagainst = India

| testcap = 110

| lasttestdate = 22 October

| lasttestyear = 2015

| lasttestagainst = West Indies

| odidebutdate = 25 February

| odidebutyear = 2006

| odidebutagainst = Bangladesh

| odicap = 130

| lastodidate = 25 January

| lastodiyear = 2015

| lastodiagainst = New Zealand

| odishirt =

| oneT20I = true

| T20Idebutdate = 6 August

| T20Idebutyear = 2011

| T20Idebutagainst = Australia

| T20Icap = 41

| club1 = Sinhalese Sports Club

| year1 = 2002/03–present

| clubnumber1 =

| club2 = Basnahira North

| year2 =

| clubnumber2 =

| club3 =

| year3 =

| clubnumber3 =

| club4 =

| year4 =

| clubnumber4 =

| columns = 4

| column1 = Test

| matches1 = 25

| runs1 = 476

| bat avg1 = 12.86

| 100s/50s1 = 0/0

| top score1 = 47

| deliveries1 = 4,327

| wickets1 = 75

| bowl avg1 = 35.97

| fivefor1 = 1

| tenfor1 = 0

| best bowling1 = 5/50

| catches/stumpings1 = 6/–

| column2 = ODI

| matches2 = 24

| runs2 = 129

| bat avg2 = 21.50

| 100s/50s2 = 0/0

| top score2 = 31*

| deliveries2 = 1,015

| wickets2 = 32

| bowl avg2 = 30.50

| fivefor2 = 0

| tenfor2 = 0

| best bowling2 = 3/17

| catches/stumpings2 = 1/–

| column3 = T20I

| matches3 = 1

| runs3 = –

| bat avg3 = –

| 100s/50s3 = –

| top score3 = –

| deliveries3 = 18

| wickets3 = 0

| bowl avg3 = –

| fivefor3 = –

| tenfor3 = –

| best bowling3 = –

| catches/stumpings3 = 0/–

| column4 = FC

| matches4 = 131

| runs4= 2505

| bat avg4= 17.27

| 100s/50s4= 1/9

| top score4= 103*

| deliveries4 = 16,636

| wickets4 = 351

| bowl avg4 = 29.18

| fivefor4 = 6

| tenfor4 = 1

| best bowling4 = 6/25

| catches/stumpings4= 33/–

| date = 4 April 2025

| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/50163.html Cricinfo

}}

Kariyawasam Tirana Gamage Dhammika Prasad ({{langx|si|ධම්මික ප්‍රසාද්}}; born 30 May 1983), or simply Dhammika Prasad, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and coach. He was most recently bowling coach of the Nepal national cricket team.{{Cite web|title=नेपालको बलिङ कन्सलटेन्टमा धम्मिका प्रसाद नियुक्त|url=https://www.onlinekhabar.com/2022/02/1074061|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Online Khabar|language=en-US}} He is a right-arm fast-medium bowler. He has represented Sri Lanka in Test, One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 cricket and played domestic cricket for the Sinhalese Sports Club and Basnahira North.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/50163.html|title=Dhammika Prasad: Sri Lanka|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 December 2011}}

Prasad has been continuously dropped from the squads due to many injuries to ankle, back, hamstrings and has not played any cricket after West Indies tour in 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-sri-lanka-2015-16/content/story/949009.html |title=Uncapped Fernando to replace injured Prasad |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 March 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-sri-lanka-2016/content/story/1014533.html |title=Injured Prasad ruled out of first Test |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 March 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-sri-lanka-2016/content/story/1023327.html |title=Ford concerned about Sri Lanka's fast-bowling depth |publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=11 March 2017}} In February 2021, he announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 37.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-18|title=Dhammika Prasad retires from International Cricket, will play cricket series in India next month|url=http://www.newswire.lk/2021/02/18/dhammika-prasad-retires-from-international-cricket-will-play-cricket-series-in-india-next-month/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=NewsWire|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-18|title=Dhammika Prasad retires from International cricket|url=https://www.bdcrictime.com/dhammika-prasad-retires-from-international-cricket/|access-date=2021-02-18|website=Bdcrictime|language=en-US}}

Domestic career

Having begun playing cricket as a top-order batsman, Prasad became a fast bowler in his late teens and played in the 2002 Under-19 World Cup.

International career

In February 2006, he was called up to Sri Lanka's ODI and Test squads for the tour of Bangladesh after bowling at an average of less than 23 runs per wicket in the domestic first class cricket.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/02/16/spo01.asp|title=Pace rookie Prasad only newcomer for Bangladesh|last=Sa'adi Thawfeeq|date=16 February 2006|work=Daily News (Sri Lanka)|access-date=31 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804231847/http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/02/16/spo01.asp|archive-date=4 August 2012}} He made his ODI debut on that tour, taking 2/29 in a 78-run win over Bangladesh in Chittagong.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/238170.html|title=Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh, 2005/06: 3rd ODI – scorecard|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 December 2011}}

File:Chaminda Vaas helping out Dhammika Prasad before a match.JPG]]

Prasad's international career was subsequently affected by a back injury. He had to wait until August 2008 to make his Test debut, taking five wickets over both innings of the third Test of India's tour of Sri Lanka, including those of Sachin Tendulkar, who Prasad said was his favourite player, Rahul Dravid, and Virender Sehwag.{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/sports/sachin-s-wicket-was-special-prasad-news-cricket-jehb5Igjdbb.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411061236/http://www.sify.com/sports/sachin-s-wicket-was-special-prasad-news-cricket-jehb5Igjdbb.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 April 2017|title=Sachin's wicket was special: Prasad|date=8 August 2008|website=Sify Sports|access-date=31 December 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/slvind/engine/match/343731.html|title=India tour of Sri Lanka, 2008 – 3rd Test: scorecard|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 December 2011}} He played Test cricket sporadically over the following seasons. He took four wickets in the first Test of Sri Lanka's tour of Bangladesh in December 2008, but was dropped for the second Test.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/378750.html|title=Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh, 2008/09 – 1st Test: scorecard|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=31 December 2011}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200901030945.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125195442/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200901030945.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 January 2013|title=Sri Lanka wins toss, bats vs. Bangladesh|date=3 January 2009|work=The Hindu|access-date=31 December 2011}}

In 2009, he played in the second Test of Sri Lanka's home series against New Zealand and the first Test of Sri Lanka's tour of India, in which he injured his hamstring.{{cite news|url=http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Prasad-out-of-second-Test-20091123|title=Prasad out of second Test|date=23 November 2009|publisher=Sport24|access-date=1 January 2012}} In 2010, Prasad played in one Test against India and another against the West Indies, failing to take any wickets on either occasion.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/50163.html?class=1;template=results;type=allround;view=match|title=Statistics / Statsguru / KTGD Prasad / Test matches|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 January 2012}}

In June 2011, Prasad was recalled to Sri Lanka's ODI squad for the tour of England and Scotland.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,12349_7000197,00.html|title=Dhammika to replace Fernando|date=22 June 2011|publisher=Sky Sports|access-date=1 January 2012}} He played in two ODIs on the tour, taking two wickets against England and three against Scotland.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/50163.html?class=2;template=results;type=allround;view=match|title=Statistics / Statsguru / KTGD Prasad / One-Day Internationals|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 January 2012}} He was named in the Test squad for Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in August and September, but did not play. He did, however, make his international Twenty20 debut against Australia,{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/50163.html?class=3;template=results;type=allround;view=match|title=Statistics / Statsguru / KTGD Prasad / Twenty20 Internationals|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=1 January 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Cricket/56084/SLanka_name_two_rookies_for_Aussie_Tests.aspx|title=S.Lanka name two rookies for Aussie Tests|last=James|first=James|publisher=sport.co.uk|access-date=1 January 2012}} before playing in two Tests of Sri Lanka's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. He was called into Sri Lanka's squad for their tour of South Africa in 2011–12 as a replacement for injured bowlers. He played in the third and deciding Test of the series, which Sri Lanka lost, taking two wickets for 156 runs, and also played in two ODIs.{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/50163.html?class=1;template=results;type=allround;view=match|title=Statistics / Statsguru / KTGD Prasad / Test matches|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=24 January 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/player/50163.html?class=2;template=results;type=allround;view=match|title=Statistics / Statsguru / KTGD Prasad / One-Day Internationals|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=24 January 2012}}

He was part of Sri Lanka test team which secured their historic first ever test series win against England in England in 2014. He played a crucial role during the series win picking up fifer at Headingley and ended up with career best figures of 5/50.{{Cite web|last=Nadeera|first=Dilshan|title=Prasad's eccentrics will be missed not his service|url=http://island.lk/prasads-eccentrics-will-be-missed-not-his-service/|access-date=2021-02-18|language=en-US}}

Prasad was selected for the 2015 Cricket World Cup original squad, but was unable play due to injury. So he was called off from the World Cup squad.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-cricket-world-cup-2015/content/story/827307.html|title = Injured Dhammika Prasad out of World Cup}}

After World Cup, Prasad was brought back into the squad for Test series against Pakistan. In the second Test, he showed an impressive bowling performance where he took 3 for 43 in the first innings and then 4 for 92 in second innings. Due to Sri Lanka loss in the first Test at Galle, the second Test was a must win for the Sri Lankan team to level the series. Prasad provided the basis for the win and he earned the man of the match award for his impressive bowling performance in the second Test at P Sara Oval.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-pakistan-2015/content/story/891993.html|title = Prasad shines as SL seek 153 to level series}}

During the India Test tour in 2015, Prasad showed immense talent with the new ball, where he used to take up the wickets in very first over in each Test match getting rid of Indian top order. He was the highest wicket taker for Sri Lanka in the series with 15 wickets. Due to some heated altercations with Indian pacer Ishant Sharma during the series, he was given a warning by ICC during the third test.{{Cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2015/content/story/916021.html|title = Tempers flare as Ishant, Prasad face off}}{{cite web| url = http://www.espncricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2015/engine/match/895777.html| title = Full Scorecard of India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test 2015 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com}}

Personal life

Prasad attended De Mazenod College in Kandana, where he started playing cricket as a top order batsman.{{cite news|title=Three grounds help De Mazenod to keep their profile in sports|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/110612/Education/ed40.html|work=The Sunday Times|date=12 June 2011}} He is married to Nihari Kariyawasam.{{cite web|title=Dhammika Prasad's wedding photos|url=http://www.islandcricket.lk/photos/srilankacricket/dhammika-prasads-wedding-photos|publisher=Island Cricket|date=17 April 2011|access-date=17 October 2016|archive-date=8 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108102505/http://www.islandcricket.lk/photos/srilankacricket/dhammika-prasads-wedding-photos|url-status=dead}} On 24 August 2016 Prasad announced on his Twitter account that he and his wife were parents to a baby boy.{{cite tweet|user=imDhammika|number=768609878721957894|date=24 August 2016|title=We ar blessed with baby boy few minutes to go. Really happy. Thanks almighty God. Thanks my dear loving wify. Love u a lot. May god bless u.}}