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Sri Lanka’s Greatest Cricketers: Top Batters and Bowlers of All Time

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Sri Lanka’s cricketing history is filled with legendary players who have dominated the game with their extraordinary skills. From elegant batters to world-class bowlers, these players have etched their names in cricketing history, inspiring generations of fans. Here’s a look at Sri Lanka’s top batters and bowlers of all time, whose contributions have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s cricket legacy.

Sri Lanka’s Top Batters of All Time

1. Kumar Sangakkara

Signature Classic Cover Drive

Widely regarded as one of the finest batters in cricket history, Kumar Sangakkara is Sri Lanka’s all-time leading run-scorer with over 28,000 international runs across all formats. Known for his elegant stroke play and unmatched consistency, Sangakkara’s iconic double centuries and ability to deliver under pressure make him a legend of the game.

2. Mahela Jayawardene

Signature straight drive

A master strategist and technically gifted batter, Mahela Jayawardene’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket are immense. With over 25,000 international runs, Jayawardene’s most memorable achievement was his breathtaking 374 against South Africa, the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan batter.

3. Sanath Jayasuriya

Signature Cut

The pioneer of aggressive batting in ODI cricket, Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionized the game with his explosive hitting. With over 13,000 ODI runs and 21 centuries, Jayasuriya was a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team.

4. Aravinda de Silva

Signature Leg glance

Aravinda de Silva remains one of Sri Lanka’s most clutch players. Known for his match-winning innings, including his unforgettable 107 in the 1996 World Cup final, he was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup during the 1990s.

5. Tillakaratne Dilshan

Signature Dilscoop

The inventor of the iconic “Dilscoop,” Tillakaratne Dilshan was a dynamic batter who excelled across all formats. With over 10,000 ODI runs and a reputation for innovation, he was a game-changer at the top of the order.

Sri Lanka’s Top Bowlers of All Time

1. Muttiah Muralitharan

Signature bowling action

With a staggering 1,347 international wickets, Muttiah Muralitharan is the highest wicket-taker in cricket history. His unmatched spin, control, and variations made him a nightmare for batters worldwide. A true cricketing icon, Murali’s legacy is unparalleled.

2. Chaminda Vaas

Left arm swinger

Sri Lanka’s greatest fast bowler, Chaminda Vaas, was the backbone of the team’s pace attack for over a decade. With 761 international wickets, Vaas’s ability to swing the ball and bowl accurately made him a formidable opponent.

3. Lasith Malinga

Known as the “Slinga,” Lasith Malinga revolutionized limited-overs cricket with his deadly yorkers and unique bowling action. The only bowler to take four wickets in four consecutive deliveries in ODIs, Malinga’s contributions to T20 cricket are legendary.

4. Rangana Herath

Rangana Herath carried Sri Lanka’s spin department after Muralitharan’s retirement, claiming 433 Test wickets. His accuracy, subtle variations, and ability to perform in tough conditions made him one of the best left-arm spinners in history.

5. Nuwan Kulasekara

Solid swing

A key player in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack during the late 2000s and early 2010s, Kulasekara’s ability to swing the ball and his contributions in white-ball cricket played a vital role in Sri Lanka’s success.

Sri Lanka’s Legacy

These legendary players have elevated Sri Lanka to the top of world cricket over the years. From their contributions in historic moments, such as the 1996 World Cup victory, to dominating in all formats, they have created a legacy that inspires future generations of cricketers.

As fans celebrate Sri Lanka’s cricketing heroes, the nation looks forward to nurturing the next generation of stars who will carry the legacy forward.

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for more stories on Sri Lanka’s cricketing legends and updates from the cricketing world!

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IPL 2025 Mid-Season Review: Intense Battle for Playoff Spots Unfolds

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As of April 16, 2025, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has reached a crucial stage, with the competition heating up and the points table showcasing how tightly contested this year’s tournament has become.

Gujarat Titans (GT) currently sit atop the table with 4 wins from 6 matches, boasting a net run rate (NRR) of +1.081. Their recent form—3 consecutive wins—has propelled them to the summit and marked them as strong playoff contenders once again.

Joining them on 8 points are Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While DC has played only 5 matches, their solid NRR of +0.899 and form (4 wins from 5) show they’re a team to watch. RCB and PBKS have been steady with 4 wins out of 6, but their recent loss raises questions about consistency. LSG, despite also having 8 points, has played 7 matches, leaving them vulnerable with fewer games in hand.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), sitting at 6th place with 6 points, are still in the hunt but need to find consistency after 4 losses from 7 outings.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are in a precarious position. All four teams have only 4 points, but it’s CSK’s form that is most concerning. The five-time champions are languishing at the bottom of the table with 5 losses from 7 matches and a worrying NRR of -1.276. Despite flashes of brilliance from MS Dhoni and others, the team has failed to click as a unit.

SRH and RR also face an uphill climb with poor net run rates and inconsistency plaguing their campaigns. MI, despite some promise, has only managed two wins and will need a strong turnaround to stay in playoff contention.

Key Takeaways:

• Top 5 teams are locked at 8 points, making every upcoming match crucial.

• GT and DC appear the most balanced and dangerous sides so far.

• CSK and SRH face the biggest challenges with momentum against them.

• Net Run Rate will be a critical factor as the race to the top 4 tightens.

As the tournament moves past its halfway mark, fans can expect drama, surprises, and spectacular cricket as teams jostle for playoff positions in what’s shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable IPL seasons yet.

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Kasun Rajitha Joins Essex for County Championship Stint

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Sri Lankan fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has secured a short-term contract with Essex County Cricket Club to play in five upcoming Rothesay County Championship matches.

The 31-year-old right-arm seamer brings a wealth of experience, having represented Sri Lanka across all formats. Notably, Rajitha has played 18 Test matches, capturing 55 wickets at an average of 29.58. One of his standout performances came against Bangladesh in March 2023, when he picked up career-best figures of 5 for 56.

Rajitha made his Test debut in June 2018 against the West Indies and made an instant impact with a five-wicket haul across the match, dismissing top players like Jason Holder and Kraigg Braithwaite.

His stint with Essex reunites him with Chris Silverwood, Essex’s Director of Cricket and former Sri Lanka Head Coach, under whom Rajitha played between 2022 and 2024. Domestically, Rajitha has recently represented Colombo in Sri Lanka’s first-class circuit.

Chris Silverwood expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Kasun brings quality and depth to our pace attack. I’ve seen firsthand what he can deliver and am confident he will be a valuable asset.”

Rajitha, set to don the number 65 jersey, is expected to debut for Essex in their upcoming match against Worcestershire this weekend.

He shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a proud moment for me to join a prestigious club like Essex. I look forward to contributing to the team and enhancing my game in English conditions.”

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Sri Lanka to Host 12th Indoor Cricket World Cup in 2025

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Sri Lanka is set to make history once again as the Ceylon Indoor Cricket Association (CICA) has been officially awarded the hosting rights for the 12th edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025 by the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF). This prestigious global tournament will be held across two top-tier venues – the Austasia Sports Complex and the newly constructed U Pro Arena in Thalawathugoda.

The event is scheduled to run from September 27 to October 5, 2025, bringing together nine international teams: Australia (defending champions), New Zealand, South Africa, India, England, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, the United States, and host nation Sri Lanka.

The tournament will feature four major categories:

• Men’s Open

• Women’s Open

• Under-22 Boys

• Under-22 Girls

This marks a significant milestone for the CICA, which successfully hosted the World Masters Series just five months ago. Their proven ability to organize world-class events has been a key factor in securing this global competition.

More than 1,000 participants and visitors, including players, coaches, and fans, are expected to attend, making it not just a sporting spectacle but also a boost for sports tourism in Sri Lanka.

This will be Sri Lanka’s second time hosting the Indoor Cricket World Cup, having previously organized it in 2004. The upcoming edition will be the third major international event hosted by CICA within a year, following the England Asia Cup and the World Masters Series.

Historically, Australia has dominated the Men’s division, clinching every title since the competition’s inception. New Zealand has consistently been a strong contender, finishing as runners-up on multiple occasions. In the Women’s division, Australia has also maintained a perfect record, with South Africa and New Zealand trailing behind as regular finalists.

With world-class facilities, strong organizational credentials, and growing international interest, Sri Lanka is poised to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Indoor Cricket World Cup 2025.

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