Sanath Jayasuriya is a cricket legend from Sri Lanka. Known as the Matara Hurricane, he changed how cricket is played. His explosive batting in the 1996 World Cup made him a star. He scored runs fast and took wickets too.
Jayasuriya’s career lasted over 20 years. He smashed 28 ODI centuries and took 323 wickets. His Test cricket records include a massive 340-run innings. He also led Sri Lanka as cricket captain.
His style inspired players like those in the India vs. England match. Jayasuriya’s impact is still felt today. He now coaches the Sri Lanka cricket team.
This article explores his records and legacy. Learn about his IPL highlights and more. His story is one of skill and passion. Let’s dive into his amazing journey.
Revolutionising Cricket with Explosive Batting
Sanath Jayasuriya redefined cricket all-rounder roles in the 1990s. His aggressive batting changed ODI cricket forever. During the 1996 World Cup, he attacked bowlers early. This helped Sri Lanka win the title.
Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana used fielding rules smartly. They hit lofted shots over infielders. This strategy set a new standard for batting strike rate. His World Cup MVP award proved his impact.
He scored 28 ODI centuries, the most by a Sri Lankan. His highest was 189 against India. This knocked out the opposition’s total. He also holds the record for two consecutive 150+ scores.
His Test career was equally impressive. He scored 340 against India in 1997. This remains a Test cricket record for Sri Lanka. His 576-run partnership with Roshan Mahanama was historic.
Jayasuriya’s style influenced modern stars like Virat Kohli. He also played in the IPL, scoring 114* for the Mumbai Indians. His T20 batting was explosive too. Jayasuriya’s legacy lives in matches like Australia vs. South Africa.
His approach inspired teams like India vs. New Zealand. Jayasuriya’s batting changed cricket’s attacking mindset.
Record-Breaking ODI Performances
Jayasuriya’s ODI centuries set him apart. He scored 28, including a 189-run knock. His fastest century came off 48 balls. This was a world record then, like in the upcoming Ashes series.
He also held the fastest fifty record. It took just 17 balls. His batting strike rate was over 90. This was rare for his era.
His 152 against England in 2006 was stunning. It helped set a 443/9 team total. Check out similar high-scoring games at Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh. His IPL highlights include a 114* off 48 balls. Jayasuriya’s records inspire players like Mohammed Siraj.
Sanath Jayasuriya Career Stats – Batting & Fielding
📌 International & Domestic Summary
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 110 | 188 | 14 | 6973 | 340 | 40.07 | 10698 | 65.18 | 14 | 31 | 910 | 59 | 78 | 0 |
| ODIs | 445 | 433 | 18 | 13430 | 189 | 32.36 | 14725 | 91.20 | 28 | 68 | 1500 | 270 | 123 | 0 |
| T20Is | 31 | 30 | 3 | 629 | 88 | 23.29 | 487 | 129.15 | 0 | 4 | 76 | 23 | 4 | 0 |
| FC | 265 | 419 | 33 | 14819 | 340 | 38.39 | – | – | 29 | 70 | – | – | 162 | 0 |
| List A | 557 | 542 | 25 | 16128 | 189 | 31.19 | – | – | 31 | 82 | – | – | 153 | 0 |
| T20s | 111 | 109 | 7 | 2317 | 114* | 22.71 | 1654 | 140.08 | 1 | 12 | 252 | 114 | 21 | 0 |
S. Jayasuriya Career Stats – Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 110 | 140 | 8188 | 3366 | 98 | 5/34 | 9/74 | 34.34 | 2.46 | 83.5 | 6 | 2 | 0 |
| ODIs | 445 | 368 | 14874 | 11871 | 323 | 6/29 | 6/29 | 36.75 | 4.78 | 46.0 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| T20Is | 31 | 24 | 371 | 456 | 19 | 3/21 | 3/21 | 24.00 | 7.37 | 19.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 265 | – | 15275 | 6808 | 205 | 5/34 | – | 33.20 | 2.67 | 74.5 | – | 2 | 0 |
| List A | 557 | – | 18167 | 14396 | 413 | 6/29 | 6/29 | 34.85 | 4.75 | 43.9 | 12 | 5 | 0 |
| T20s | 111 | 92 | 1593 | 1983 | 77 | 4/24 | 4/24 | 25.75 | 7.46 | 20.6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Sanath Jayasuriya T20 League Stats – Batting & Fielding
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPL | Bngls | 6 | 5 | 0 | 54 | 23 | 10.80 | 46 | 117.39 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| CLT20 | RU | 2 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 13 | 9.50 | 20 | 95.00 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vitality Blast | 2 teams | 14 | 14 | 0 | 327 | 87 | 23.35 | 210 | 155.71 | 0 | 2 | 33 | 18 | 3 | 0 |
| IPL | MI | 30 | 30 | 2 | 768 | 114* | 27.42 | 532 | 144.36 | 1 | 4 | 84 | 39 | 4 | 0 |
Sanath Jayasuriya T20 League Stats – Bowling
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPL | Bngls | 6 | 5 | 78 | 96 | 4 | 2/17 | 2/17 | 24.00 | 7.38 | 19.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| CLT20 | RU | 2 | 2 | 48 | 57 | 1 | 1/20 | 1/20 | 57.00 | 7.12 | 48.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vitality Blast | 2 teams | 14 | 14 | 323 | 386 | 14 | 4/24 | 4/24 | 27.57 | 7.17 | 23.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | MI | 30 | 21 | 294 | 390 | 13 | 3/14 |
All-Rounder Excellence and Leadership
Jayasuriya was more than a batsman. He was a skilled left-arm spinner. He took 323 wickets in ODIs. His best was 6/29 against England.
In the 1996 World Cup, he took key wickets. He dismissed Sachin Tendulkar in the semi-final. His bowling helped Sri Lanka win. His cricket all-rounder stats are unmatched.
He captained Sri Lanka from 1999 to 2003. He led in 38 Tests and 117 ODIs. His team reached the 2003 World Cup semi-finals. His leadership inspired players like Ricky Ponting.
Jayasuriya’s fielding was top-notch too. He took 123 catches in ODIs. His energy influenced games like England vs. West Indies. As a cricket selector, he helped Sri Lanka win the 2014 T20 World Cup.
Now, he’s the cricket coach for Sri Lanka. His work shapes players like those in India vs. Zimbabwe. His all-around skill set sets him apart. Jayasuriya’s legacy is seen in South Africa vs. New Zealand.
Captaincy and Coaching Impact
Jayasuriya’s role as cricket captain was vital. He led Sri Lanka to many wins. His team won the 2002 Champions Trophy. He stepped down after 2003.
As a cricket selector, he picked winning teams. Sri Lanka won the 2014 T20 World Cup. His choices shaped modern cricket. He now coaches Sri Lanka’s team.
His coaching mirrors legends like MS Dhoni. His work influences matches like India Women vs. England Women. Jayasuriya’s leadership inspires players like Jasprit Bumrah. His impact continues in cricket.
Sanath Jayasuriya’s Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Batting Average | Centuries | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 110 | 6,973 | 340 | 40.07 | 14 | 98 | 5/34 |
| ODI | 445 | 13,430 | 189 | 32.36 | 28 | 323 | 6/29 |
| T20I | 31 | 629 | 88 | 23.29 | 0 | 19 | 3/21 |
| IPL | 30 | 768 | 114* | 27.42 | 1 | 13 | 3/14 |
This table highlights Sanath Jayasuriya’s stats across formats. His records rival those in Australia vs. India. Jayasuriya’s legacy lives in domestic cricket and for the youngsters.
Guiding Sri Lanka as Head Coach
Sanath Jayasuriya became Sri Lanka’s cricket coach in 2024. His coaching journey started with the Mulgrave Cricket Club. Tillekaratne Dilshan inspired him to coach there. Hementioning the 2020–21 Road Safety World Series, he honed his skills.
In July 2024, he took over as interim coach. His role became permanent in October 2024. He brings his 1996 World Cup experience to the team. His aggressive mindset shapes young players.
Jayasuriya’s coaching focuses on attacking play. He teaches players to be fearless. His strategies mirror his Matara Mauler batting style. He mentors players like those in India vs. New Zealand.
His coaching improves team performance. He emphasises quick scoring and smart bowling. His experience as a cricket all-rounder guides his methods. He inspires confidence in matches like South Africa vs. Afghanistan.
Jayasuriya’s leadership is bold and effective. He builds on his cricket captain legacy. His work shapes Sri Lanka’s future. He aims for success in Australia vs. India.
Building Sri Lanka’s Cricket Legacy
Sanath Jayasuriya’s impact on the Sri Lanka cricket team is unmatched. His 1996 World Cup heroics lifted Sri Lanka’s status. He set new standards for ODI centuries. His style changed cricket forever.
He scored 28 ODI centuries and 14 Test centuries. His 340 against India was historic. He inspired players like those in matches. His batting strike rate set records.
Jayasuriya’s aggressive play inspired future stars. He made Sri Lanka a cricket powerhouse. His Test cricket records are still celebrated. He influenced games like Zimbabwe.
His legacy includes World Cup MVP honors. He paved the way for modern cricket. His records inspire players like Jasprit Bumrah. Sri Lanka’s success owes much to him.
Driving Sri Lanka’s Cricket Domination
Sanath Jayasuriya is a true cricket legend. His 1996 World Cup heroics changed the game. He scored 28 ODI centuries and took 323 wickets. His Test cricket records include a 340-run knock.
His aggressive style inspired modern cricket. Players like those in South Africa vs. Afghanistan follow his lead. His IPL highlights showed his T20 prowess. He also led as a cricket captain and coach.
His story motivates fans and players alike. Explore more about cricket’s greats at the Godfather of Cricket.
His all-around skills shaped Sri Lanka’s success. He took 123 catches in ODIs. His IPL highlights showed his dominance. He inspired stars like Ricky Ponting.
Conclusion
Sanath Jayasuriya’s impact will never fade. Sanath Jayasuriya led the Sri Lanka cricket team to glory. His 1996 World Cup performance was game-changing. He smashed bowlers with aggressive shots. His ODI centuries set unbeatable records.
He took 323 wickets as a left-arm spinner. His bowling broke key partnerships. He led Sri Lanka to the 2002 Champions Trophy. His role as cricket captain was crucial.
Jayasuriya’s style influenced matches, as he made Sri Lanka a dominant force. His T20 batting inspired aggressive play. He set records in New Zealand vs. India CT 2025.
