Sri Lankan cricketer and former captain, renowned for elegant batting and tactical acumen. Led Sri Lanka to 2014 T20 World Cup victory.
Mahela Deshamanya Jayawardene was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1977 and became one of the finest batsmen and captains in the history of Sri Lankan cricket. His Test record: 11,814 runs in 149 matches at 49.84 with 34 centuries — the most by any Sri Lankan along with Sangakkara until Sangakkara surpassed him. His ODI record: 12,650 runs in 448 matches at 33.37 with 19 centuries. He plays for Sinhalese SC and played county cricket for Kent. He captained Sri Lanka 48 times in Tests. His world-record partnership of 624 with Kumar Sangakkara against South Africa in Colombo in 2006 is the highest partnership in Test cricket history. His 374 in the same match is Sri Lanka's highest individual Test score. He took 205 catches in Tests — the most by a fielder in Sri Lankan cricket history. He was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008. He was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Decade for 2000–2010. He was a pioneer in T20 batting strategy, contributing to Sri Lanka's 2014 World Twenty20 victory. After retirement he became a highly influential batting and team coaching consultant across multiple franchises worldwide.
Leading Sri Lanka to the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 title as captain, their first major ICC tournament victory since the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
His partnership with Sangakkara of 624 runs against South Africa in 2006 is the highest partnership in Test cricket history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Jayawardene was renowned for his elegant and technically sound batting style, particularly strong through the off-side with crisp drives and cuts. He possessed excellent footwork against spin bowling and was known for his calm temperament and ability to build partnerships. His batting was characterized by timing rather than power, making him effective in both Test and limited-overs formats.
Lasting Impact
Jayawardene is remembered as one of Sri Lanka's greatest batsmen and most successful captains, helping establish the country as a major force in world cricket. His leadership and batting contributions during Sri Lanka's golden era left a lasting impact on the sport in the subcontinent.
Career Honours
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2014 T20 (Sri Lanka)
- ICC Champions Trophy 2002, 2014
- World Record Test partnership 624* (with Sangakkara, 2006)
- Wisden Cricketer of Year 2008
- ICC Test Team of Decade 2000–2010
| Club | Period | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sinhalese SC | 1993–2015 | 149 | 11814 |
| Kent | 2004–2004 | 12 | 642 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 2008–2013 | — | — |
| Delhi Daredevils | 2014–2016 | — | — |
| Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 2011–2011 | — | — |