Sri Lanka has a rich history of producing exceptional bowlers who have excelled on the international stage. Particularly in Test cricket, the nation has consistently showcased a pool of exciting and talented bowlers.
This article highlights Sri Lankan bowlers who made a remarkable start to their Test careers. Legends like Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, and Rangana Herath stand as prime examples of Sri Lanka’s bowling prowess. Interestingly, despite their illustrious careers, none of these icons managed to achieve a five-wicket haul on their Test debut.
1. Akila Dananjaya – 5/24 vs Bangladesh, 2018
Akila Dananjaya, primarily known as a white-ball specialist, made an extraordinary start to his Test career against Bangladesh in Mirpur in February 2018. With figures of 3/20 in the first innings and a stunning 5/24 in the second, Dananjaya became the third Sri Lankan bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut. His performance was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s commanding 215-run victory.
2. Lasith Embuldeniya – 5/66 vs South Africa, 2019
Lasith Embuldeniya’s Test debut against South Africa in Durban in 2019 coincided with one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic wins. The left-arm spinner took 5/66 in the second innings, restricting South Africa to 259 runs. This effort set the stage for Sri Lanka’s remarkable chase of 304, guided by Kusal Perera’s legendary unbeaten 153. Sri Lanka clinched the match by one wicket.
3. Praveen Jayawickrama – 6/92 & 5/86 vs Bangladesh, 2021
Praveen Jayawickrama made a dream debut against Bangladesh in Pallekele in 2021, becoming the first Sri Lankan bowler to take two five-wicket hauls in a debut Test. The left-arm spinner recorded figures of 6/92 in the first innings and 5/86 in the second. His combined tally of 11 wickets earned him the Man of the Match award as Sri Lanka secured a comprehensive 209-run victory.
4. Prabath Jayasuriya – 6/118 & 6/59 vs Australia, 2022
Prabath Jayasuriya produced the best match figures by a Sri Lankan bowler on Test debut, taking a staggering 12 wickets against Australia in Galle in July 2022. His first-innings haul of 6/118 was followed by 6/59 in the second innings, propelling Sri Lanka to an innings-and-39-run victory. Jayasuriya’s phenomenal debut earned him the Man of the Match honor.
5. Nishan Peiris – 6/170 vs New Zealand, 2024
Nishan Peiris joined Sri Lanka’s elite list of debutant stars with a remarkable performance against New Zealand in Galle in September 2024. The right-arm off-break bowler took 3/33 in the first innings and 6/170 in the second, finishing with nine wickets in the match. His efforts contributed significantly to Sri Lanka’s innings-and-154-run win, sealing a historic series whitewash over New Zealand after 15 years.