Sporting icons : Mahela Jayawardene: Sri Lanka’s Elegant Run-Machine and Tactical Genius- Career HLs , video

 



Introduction & Style of Play:
Mahela Jayawardene was born on May 27, 1977, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Renowned for his silky strokeplay, flawless timing, and calm temperament, Jayawardene was one of the most elegant right-handed batsmen of his generation. He combined technical brilliance with cricketing intelligence, thriving in pressure situations and often anchoring Sri Lanka’s batting. Known for his precision in placements rather than brute force, Jayawardene also had sharp tactical acumen, captaining Sri Lanka with distinction across formats.

Career Highlights in Detail:
Jayawardene’s international career spanned from 1997 to 2015, during which he became one of Sri Lanka’s greatest-ever batsmen. He played a crucial role in guiding the team to the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals, the 2014 ICC World T20 title, and numerous bilateral series wins. His partnership with Kumar Sangakkara is one of the most prolific in world cricket, particularly their world-record 624-run stand against South Africa in 2006. Jayawardene was admired not only for his batting but also his leadership, nurturing young talents and tactically outsmarting opponents.

Test Record:

  • Matches: 149
  • Runs: 11,814
  • Batting Average: 49.84
  • 100s/50s: 34/50
  • Highest Score: 374 (vs. South Africa, 2006)
  • Wickets: 0
  • Catches: 205 (mainly in slips)

ODI Record:

  • Matches: 448
  • Runs: 12,650
  • Batting Average: 33.37
  • 100s/50s: 19/77
  • Highest Score: 144
  • Wickets: 8 (part-time bowler)
  • Catches: 218

T20I Record:

  • Matches: 55
  • Runs: 1,493
  • Batting Average: 31.76
  • 100s/50s: 1/9
  • Highest Score: 100

First-Class Record:

  • Matches: 275
  • Runs: 22,819
  • Batting Average: 48.15
  • 100s/50s: 61/105
  • Highest Score: 374




Some Best Innings Played (In Detail):

  • 374 vs. South Africa, Colombo, 2006 (Test): This monumental innings, the highest ever by a Sri Lankan and the fourth-highest in Test history, showcased Jayawardene’s concentration, skill, and patience, forming the backbone of a world-record 624-run partnership with Sangakkara.
  • 115 vs. New Zealand, Wellington, 2006 (Test): A gritty century in tough conditions, saving the match for Sri Lanka after early collapses.
  • 103 vs. India, World Cup Final, 2011 (ODI): A masterclass under pressure; Jayawardene’s calm, elegant century gave Sri Lanka a fighting total, though India ultimately won the match.
  • 100 vs. Zimbabwe, World T20, 2010 (T20I): One of the earliest T20I centuries, underlining his adaptability across formats.

Legacy:
Mahela Jayawardene’s legacy is enormous. He is remembered not just for the mountain of runs he scored but for the grace with which he played and led. As captain, he transformed Sri Lanka into a consistent, world-class team, emphasizing teamwork and tactical sharpness.

After retirement, Jayawardene became a successful coach and mentor, notably helping the Mumbai Indians in the IPL secure multiple titles. His influence continues in global cricket, shaping the next generation with his sharp cricketing brain. Widely respected across the cricketing world, Jayawardene stands as one of Sri Lanka’s finest ambassadors, his elegant style and cricketing mind leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Watch Jayawardene 's  classy 180 vs England in Galle test in 2012 

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