The Sri Lankan cricket team boasts a remarkable legacy of legendary batsmen. Since the 1990s, the Island Nation has consistently produced some of the greatest batting talents in cricket history.
Debuting in Test cricket in 1982, Sri Lanka has played 323 Test matches, achieving 106 victories. With a win percentage of 32.81, they surpass teams like the West Indies, India, and Pakistan in overall Test success.
While their achievements owe much to bowling icons such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Rangana Herath, and Chaminda Vaas, the contributions of Sri Lankan batsmen have been equally instrumental in shaping their Test cricket story. This article highlights the top five run-scorers in Sri Lanka’s Test cricket history.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – 6973 runs
Legendary all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya stands as Sri Lanka’s fifth-highest Test run-scorer. Beginning his career as a spinner and lower-order batter, Jayasuriya gradually transformed into one of cricket’s most feared batsmen.
Over his illustrious 17-year career, he played 110 Test matches, amassing 6,973 runs at an average of 40. He also registered 14 Test centuries, solidifying his place among the game’s greats.
4. Dimuth Karunaratne – 7164 runs
Renowned for his consistency at the crease, Dimuth Karunaratne stands as Sri Lanka’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer with 7,164 runs. The dependable left-hander has represented his country in 98 Test matches, boasting an average of 40 and registering 16 centuries, including a career-best score of 244.
As captain, Karunaratne led Sri Lanka to a historic Test series victory in South Africa in 2019, a remarkable achievement for the team.
3. Angelo Mathews – 8006 runs
One of Sri Lanka’s most reliable batsmen of the past 15 years is Angelo Mathews, who is his nation’s third-highest test run-scorer with 8006 runs. Mathews has played in 116 test matches so far, in which he averages an impressive 45.23 with 16 centuries. The right-hander has a highest test score of 200.
2. Mahela Jayawardene – 11814 runs
Only two Sri Lankan batsmen have scored more than 10,000 test runs. Former captain Mahela Jayawardene is one of them. With 149 tests, Jayawardene is Sri Lanka’s most-capped test player. He amassed 11814 runs in the longest format at a terrific average of 49 and notched up 34 centuries. Jayawardene’s highest test score is 374, which he scored against South Africa in 2006 in Colombo. He has six double centuries as well.
1. Kumar Sangakkara – 12400 runs
Dimuth Karunaratne, renowned for his resilience at the crease, is Sri Lanka’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, with 7,164 runs to his name. The left-handed opener has played 98 Test matches, maintaining an average of 40 and has scored 16 centuries, with his highest score being 244. Under his leadership, Sri Lanka achieved a historic Test series victory in South Africa in 2019.