Watch: Australia stars pay tribute as Dimuth Karunaratne walks back after his final international innings

Sri Lanka’s opening batter Dimuth Karunaratne's illustrious journey in Test cricket came to a bittersweet end during his 100th and final Test match at the iconic Galle International Stadium. Dimuth Karunaratne faced his last delivery against Australia on Saturday, February 8, in the ongoing second and final Test in Galle.

It was the third ball of the 14th over when Matthew Kuhnemann bowled a fuller delivery outside off. Karunaratne, known for his resilience and elegance, stretched forward in defense. However, the ball subtly angled in and found the faintest edge, landing safely in the hands of keeper Alex Carey.

Dimuth Karunaratne’s Test career ends with warm tributes from fans and players in Galle

The Australians immediately appealed for a caught-behind, though Carey appeared more interested in a possible stumping. After a brief deliberation, umpire Joel Wilson raised his finger, signaling the Sri Lankan batting stalwart to leave the field.

Read Also: Watch: Beau Webster's spectacular catch helps Nathan Lyon reach 550 Test wickets milestone

However, he went for a review, but the UltraEdge confirmed a nick, bringing his final innings to a close after making only 14 runs off 28 balls. As Dimuth Karunaratne made the long walk back, Dinesh Chandimal met him halfway with a fist bump and gave a heartfelt hug to his teammate.

Even the Australian players showed their respect to the Sri Lankan batter. Australian spinner Nathan Lyon congratulated Karunaratne on his remarkable career, while the rest of the players applauded in respect for the batter in Galle on Saturday.

Dimuth Karunaratne's emotional goodbye to Test cricket goes viral

Later, the entire Galle International Stadium waved and cheered, acknowledging the contribution of Karunaratne to Sri Lanka cricket. Karunaratne, who was visibly emotional, raised his bat one last time, soaking in the love and admiration from the fans and players.

He left behind a legacy as one of Sri Lanka's finest Test openers, and now the clip of the proud moment is going viral on the internet. Notably, Karunaratne scored 36 runs in the first innings, as he finished his Test career with an impressive 7,222 runs, including 39 fifties and 16 centuries.

Dimuth Karunaratne leaves the field after his final Test innings.

7,222 runs in 100 Test matches, a Sri Lankan stalwart 👏#SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/u2baFSmSnK

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) February 8, 2025

Sri Lanka in deep trouble against Australia in Galle

Speaking about the match, Sri Lanka struggled after opting to bat first in the second and final Test, as they could manage only 257 runs in their first innings against Australia in Galle. In reply, a record-breaking partnership between captain Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey took Australia to a dominating position in the match.

Read Also: Watch: Gulbadin Naib picks between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for scoring 16 runs in an over

Both scored brilliant centuries and also stitched a record-breaking 259-run stand—the highest fourth-wicket partnership by a visiting pair on Sri Lankan soil to help Australia end their first innings at 414 just before lunch on Day 3, gaining a commanding 157-run lead.

Smith and Carey surpassed the previous 258-run stand by Michael Hussey and Shaun Marsh at Pallekele in 2011. Prabath Jayasuriya scalped three quick wickets for Sri Lanka. Well, Sri Lanka's second innings also started on a shaky note. They are now facing the uphill task of steering their team out of trouble, as they have only a 17-run lead at the moment with five wickets in hand.