Sporting icons : Sanath Jayasuriya- Dazzling cricket genius of Sri Lanka- Career HLs , video

 


Sanath Jayasuriya – The Matara Mauler

Introduction

Sanath Teran Jayasuriya was born on June 30, 1969, in Matara, Sri Lanka. An explosive left-handed opening batsman, a handy left-arm orthodox spinner, and an agile fielder, Jayasuriya revolutionized one-day cricket with his aggressive stroke play during the 1990s. His fearless style of play redefined opening batting in ODIs and played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s rise on the world stage.

 Style of Play

Jayasuriya was best known for his aggressive batting, especially in the powerplay overs. He attacked bowlers from the start with cuts, pulls, and lofted drives, especially over the infield. As a bowler, he was a street-smart spinner, often breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs. His athletic fielding rounded out his value as a complete cricketer.

Career Stats

Test Cricket

  • Matches: 110
  • Runs: 6,973
  • Average: 40.07
  • 100s/50s: 14/31
  • Highest Score: 340
  • Wickets: 98
  • Best Bowling: 5/34
  • Catches: 78

ODIs

  • Matches: 445
  • Runs: 13,430
  • Average: 32.36
  • Strike Rate: 91.20
  • 100s/50s: 28/68
  • Highest Score: 189
  • Wickets: 323
  • Best Bowling: 6/29
  • Catches: 123

T20Is

  • Matches: 31
  • Runs: 629
  • Average: 23.29
  • Strike Rate: 129.15
  • Wickets: 19
  • Best Bowling: 3/21

First-Class Cricket

  • Matches: 222
  • Runs: 14,819
  • Average: 45.03
  • Wickets: 179
  • Best Score: 340
  • Best Bowling: 6/29



Career Highlights

  • 1996 World Cup Champion – Jayasuriya was the Player of the Tournament, scoring 221 runs and taking 7 wickets, playing a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s first and only World Cup triumph.
  • Triple Century in Tests – Scored 340 against India in 1997, part of a world-record 576-run partnership with Roshan Mahanama.
  • 199 ODI wickets + 13,000+ runs – One of the few players to achieve this elite double.
  • Captained Sri Lanka from 1999 to 2003, guiding them to semi-finals in the 2003 World Cup.
  • Holds the record for second-fastest 50 in ODIs (17 balls) for a time and among the fastest 100s.

 Notable Batting Performances

  1. 189 vs India, Sharjah (2000) – A brutal exhibition of power-hitting, then the highest score by a Sri Lankan in ODIs.
  2. 340 vs India, Colombo (1997) – A marathon Test innings, laying the foundation for a world-record team score of 952/6.
  3. 82 off 44 vs England, 2006 (Leeds) – A blazing innings in the NatWest Series, dismantling England’s bowling in a successful 321-run chase.
  4. 134 vs Pakistan, Singapore (1996) – Showcased his fearless batting during the golden phase post the World Cup.
  5. 213 vs England, Oval test 1998  Showcased his fearless batting during the Oval test as he set up a big score for Sri Lanka with dazzling strokeplay in english conditions. Sri Lanka finally winning the test . 

 Bowling Memories

  • 6/29 vs England (ODI) – A match-winning spell, where his sharp spin dismantled England’s middle order.
  • 5/34 vs Pakistan (Test) – Proved his utility as a frontline bowler when needed.
  • Regularly bowled in ODIs to break partnerships, offering control and variety to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.

 Legacy

  • Pioneer of Powerplay Hitting – Along with Kaluwitharana, he changed the way teams approached the first 15 overs in ODIs.
  • One of the Greatest All-Rounders in the limited-overs format.
  • His performances inspired a generation of fearless Sri Lankan cricketers and gave the island nation its greatest cricketing era.
  • Became a member of parliament and served as a government minister, further elevating his national stature.
  • Inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2019.
  • Revered not just in Sri Lanka, but globally, as a game-changer and a champion of cricket.

 Final Word

Sanath Jayasuriya was more than a cricketer—he was a revolutionary force. He brought aggression and freedom to the top of the order, gave Sri Lanka their most cherished cricketing moments, and inspired the evolution of modern ODI batting. Whether launching a furious assault in the World Cup or spinning a match in his team’s favor, Jayasuriya left an indelible mark on the game that still echoes in today's fast-paced format.


Watch below Jayasurya 's first ever test hundred at Adelaide vs Australia in 1996 .It was a dazzling innings 

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