Nuwanidu Fernando, the dynamic 24-year-old all-rounder hailing from SSC, recently opened up about his unwavering commitment to team success. "When I step onto the field for the national side, batting position is never my focus," he revealed. "What truly matters is the collective triumph of the team. Personal accolades take a back seat to our shared victory.

Reflecting on his clash with Afghanistan 'A' team, Nuwanidu shared his satisfaction with their triumph in both encounters. "Facing a formidable opponent like Afghanistan 'A' was a challenge, yet emerging victorious in both matches was immensely gratifying," he acknowledged. "Their formidable lineup, boasting national players, tested our skills and provided invaluable learning opportunities.

Speaking of the conducive wickets at Hambantota Stadium, Nuwanidu emphasized the importance of solid starts from the top order to bolster the team's confidence. "Optimal conditions empower both bowlers and batters to excel," he noted. "A strong foundation laid by our top-order batsmen instills confidence in the middle order, enabling us to capitalize on opportunities.

Delving into strategic insights, Nuwanidu highlighted their focus on building pressure through dot balls to unsettle opposing batters. "Our strategy revolves around creating pressure and capitalizing on pivotal moments," he explained. "Snaring crucial wickets in the middle overs allows us to seize control of the game.

Navigating the challenges of national-level cricket, Nuwanidu acknowledged the arduous journey of maintaining a spot in the team. "Securing a place in the national side is an accomplishment, but the real test lies in sustaining it," he admitted. "My current goal is to redouble my efforts and reclaim my position.

Adapting to varying batting roles, Nuwanidu emphasized the importance of versatility in professional cricket. "Whether opening or in the middle order, my focus remains on delivering my best performance," he affirmed. "As professionals, adaptability is key to thriving in any position.

With an impressive record comprising four ODI appearances for the national team, alongside 51 first-class matches and 49 List 'A' matches, Nuwanidu Fernando stands poised to make significant strides in his cricketing journey.

In a memorable debut against India at the iconic Eden Gardens, Nuwanidu Fernando etched his name with a debut fifty, sharing the opening stand with his schoolmate and fellow cricketer Avishka Fernando. "Replacing Pathum Nissanka in the opening slot was a challenge, but accustomed to batting between numbers 1 and 5, I seized the opportunity," Nuwanidu recounted. His tenure with SSC has been instrumental in honing his skills, providing ample exposure to the game.

The pride of playing alongside his elder brother, Vishwa Fernando, a stalwart in the Test team as the opening bowler, is a source of immense joy for their parents. Nuwanidu's versatility as an all-rounder, adept at both batting and spinning, adds depth to his game. "My focus has shifted towards enhancing my bowling prowess," he emphasized.

Elevated to the role of vice-captain for the Sri Lanka A team, Nuwanidu embraces the added responsibility without succumbing to pressure. "At the crease, my sole focus remains on my batting performance," he affirmed. The recent series against Afghanistan A proved fruitful, thanks to Sri Lanka Cricket's initiative in providing conducive wickets. Nuwanidu's match-winning knock of 83 in the first ODI underscored his impact, propelling Sri Lanka to victory by 8 runs (DLS method).

Despite gearing up for T20 World Cup preparation matches in Colombo, Nuwanidu shuns categorization into a single format, aspiring to represent his nation across all three formats. His ambition resonates with his dedication to excel in every facet of the game.

In a memorable debut against India at the iconic Eden Gardens, Nuwanidu Fernando etched his name with a debut fifty, sharing the opening stand with his schoolmate and fellow cricketer Avishka Fernando. "Replacing Pathum Nissanka in the opening slot was a challenge, but accustomed to batting between numbers 1 and 5, I seized the opportunity," Nuwanidu recounted. His tenure with SSC has been instrumental in honing his skills, providing ample exposure to the game.

The pride of playing alongside his elder brother, Vishwa Fernando, a stalwart in the Test team as the opening bowler, is a source of immense joy for their parents. Nuwanidu's versatility as an all-rounder, adept at both batting and spinning, adds depth to his game. "My focus has shifted towards enhancing my bowling prowess," he emphasized.

Elevated to the role of vice-captain for the Sri Lanka A team, Nuwanidu embraces the added responsibility without succumbing to pressure. "At the crease, my sole focus remains on my batting performance," he affirmed. The recent series against Afghanistan A proved fruitful, thanks to Sri Lanka Cricket's initiative in providing conducive wickets. Nuwanidu's match-winning knock of 83 in the first ODI underscored his impact, propelling Sri Lanka to victory by 8 runs (DLS method).

Despite gearing up for T20 World Cup preparation matches in Colombo, Nuwanidu shuns categorization into a single format, aspiring to represent his nation across all three formats. His ambition resonates with his dedication to excel in every facet of the game.