Cricket

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

Published

5 months ago

January 25, 2025

Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Cricket

AUS 67/4 at Lunch as South Africa Dominate Early on Day 1 of WTC Final 2025 at Lord’s

Published

1 week ago

June 11, 2025

Editor

June 11, Lord’s – ICC World Test Championship Final

The much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship Final 2025 kicked off at Lord’s with South Africa taking early control by reducing Australia to 67/4 at lunch on Day 1.

After winning the toss and electing to field first under overcast conditions, South Africa’s pace attack made immediate inroads into Australia’s top order. Marco Jansen was the pick of the bowlers in the opening session, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in 7.2 overs. Wiaan Mulder offered excellent support, keeping things tight with 3 maidens in his 6-over spell.

Australia Struggle Under Pressure

Veteran batter Steve Smith remained at the crease with a fighting 26 off 51 balls, trying to anchor the innings after early setbacks. He will be joined by Travis Head (11*) as Australia looks to rebuild post-lunch.

Current Score: Australia 67/4 (23.2 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 67/4

Session: Day 1 – Lunch

World Test Championship 2023–25 Standings (Before Final)

Pos	Team	Pld	Pts	PCT (%)
1	South Africa	12	100	69.44
2	Australia	19	154	67.54
3	India	19	114	50.00
4	New Zealand	14	81	48.21
5	England	22	114	43.18
6	Sri Lanka	13	60	38.46
7	Bangladesh	12	45	31.25
8	West Indies	13	44	28.21
9	Pakistan	14	47	27.98

Top 2 teams qualify for the final. Teams are ranked by percentage of points won. Points deductions apply for slow over rates.

Top Performers This Cycle

Batting Leaders:

Joe Root (ENG) – 1,968 runs | Avg: 54.66 (40 innings)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND) – 1,798 runs | Avg: 52.88 (36 innings)
Ben Duckett (ENG) – [Stats not fully available]

Bowling Leaders:

Jasprit Bumrah (IND) – 77 wickets | Avg: 15.09 (28 innings)
Pat Cummins (AUS) – 73 wickets | Avg: 24.54 (33 innings)
Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 72 wickets | Avg: 27.27 (35 innings)

Sri Lanka’s Position

Sri Lanka sits at 6th on the table with 60 points from 13 matches and a 38.46% win rate. With one more cycle ahead before the next WTC final in 2027, the Lions have plenty to play for as they look to rise up the rankings.

Cricket

KSCA Officials Resign Over Chinnaswamy Stampede; RCB Faces FIR in Tragic Victory Celebration Fallout

Published

2 weeks ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

In a tragic turn of events following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic IPL 2025 title win, a deadly stampede at the celebratory event held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured several others. The aftermath has sparked controversy and accountability issues, leading to major resignations and legal action.

Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary A Shankar and treasurer ES Jairam resigned on Friday, citing “moral responsibility” for the incident. Their resignations were submitted to KSCA president Raghuram Bhat, as questions mount over mismanagement and negligence at the overcrowded venue.

The Bengaluru Police have filed an FIR listing RCB, DNA Entertainment (event partner), and KSCA as accused parties. Police confirmed that the event had not been granted official permission. In a swift move, Nikhil Sosale, RCB’s head of marketing and revenue, was arrested—raising further scrutiny over organizational lapses.

KSCA has filed a writ petition calling the FIR a “knee-jerk” reaction under political pressure. They argued that crowd control and gate management were the responsibilities of RCB and the event organizers, not KSCA.

RCB has announced INR 10 lakh compensation for each victim and committed to covering all medical expenses of the injured. However, the franchise has yet to make a comprehensive public statement.

This incident raises serious concerns about sports event management and safety standards, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a moment of celebration in Indian cricket

Cricket

Sachithra Senanayake Indicted in Landmark Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Anti-Corruption Law

Published

2 weeks ago

June 5, 2025

Editor

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sachithra Senanayake has been formally indicted before the Hambantota High Court, marking a historic first in Sri Lanka’s efforts to criminalize corruption in sports. The charges stem from an alleged match-fixing attempt during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL), making Senanayake the first player to face prosecution under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019.

Senanayake, currently out on bail, is accused of attempting to influence Colombo Kings player Tharindu Ratnayake to underperform during the tournament. The incident reportedly occurred via a WhatsApp message, which was later flagged by a local anti-corruption officer, prompting an official investigation in 2020.

The case falls under the landmark legislation introduced in 2019 by then Sports Minister Harin Fernando, which criminalizes match-fixing and related offenses in the country. If convicted, Senanayake could face a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine reaching Rs. 100 million, or both.

The indictment signals a serious shift in Sri Lanka’s approach to tackling corruption in sports. Authorities hope this high-profile case will serve as a strong deterrent against similar offenses in the future.

Senanayake, once a celebrated off-spinner and a member of Sri Lanka’s victorious 2014 ICC T20 World Cup squad, now faces the grim prospect of being remembered not for his achievements on the field, but for his role in one of Sri Lanka’s most significant match-fixing scandals.

As the case unfolds, it casts a spotlight on the broader issue of corruption in sports and reinforces the urgent need for integrity, vigilance, and transparent governance across all levels of competition in Sri Lanka