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Test cricket is the oldest form of cricket played at international level.[1] A Test match takes place over a period of five days, and is played by teams representing Full Member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC).[2][3] Sri Lanka obtained Full Member status of the ICC in 1981, becoming the eighth nation eligible to play Test cricket.[4] The Sri Lanka national cricket team played their first Test match on 17 February 1982, against England, and recorded their first victory on 6 September 1985, in a match against India.[5] Since then, they have played nearly 300 matches, against every other Test-playing nation.[6] Sri Lanka holds the world record for the highest team score, which was established against India in 1997.[7] The highest partnership in Test cricket was also established by two Sri Lankan batsmen; Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara.[8] Sri Lankan players also hold the highest partnership scores for the second and third wickets.[9]
Top order batsman and former captain Kumar Sangakkara holds several Sri Lankan batting records as he has scored the most runs for Sri Lanka in Test cricket. He is also the record holder for the highest number of centuries as well as the highest number of half-centuries. The 374 made by Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006 is the highest individual score by a Sri Lankan cricketer, surpassing the previous best of 340 by Sanath Jayasuriya, which was established in 1997.[10] It is also the fourth-highest individual score in Test cricket. Jayawardene, Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara [319] are the only Sri Lankan players who have scored triple centuries.[11]
Muttiah Muralitharan, who was hailed by the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack in 2002 as the "best bowler ever" in Test cricket, dominates the bowling records for Sri Lanka.[12] He is the world record holder for the highest number of wickets, the most five wickets per innings, as well as the most ten wickets per match.[13] Muralitharan also holds the records for the best bowling average, best figures in an innings, best figures in a match, and best figures in a series. He missed an opportunity to capture all ten wickets in an innings in 2002 against Zimbabwe, when Chaminda Vaas took the last wicket after Muralitharan had taken the previous nine.[14] The Sri Lankan team won an ODI series against Australia in Australia in 2010. However, they are yet to register a Test match win and an ODI series win against India in India, as of 2017.
Sri Lanka holds a unique record of having the most Test wickets by both a right arm and left arm bowler:: Muralitharan with 800 wickets and Rangana Herath with 433 wickets.
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The top five records are listed for each category, except for the team wins, losses, draws and ties and the partnership records. Tied records for fifth place are also included. Explanations of the general symbols and cricketing terms used in the list are given below. Specific details are provided in each category where appropriate. All records include matches played for Sri Lanka only, and are correct as of March 2022[update].
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| † | Player or umpire is currently active in Test cricket |
| * | Player remained not out or partnership remained unbroken |
| ♠ | Test cricket record |
| d | Innings was declared (e.g. 8/758d) |
| Date | Starting date of the Test match |
| Innings | Number of innings played |
| Matches | Number of matches played |
| Opposition | The team India was playing against |
| Period | The time period when the player was active in Test cricket |
| Player | The player involved in the record |
| Venue | Test cricket ground where the match was played |
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Record versus other nations
| Opponent | Matches | Won | Lost | Draw | Tied | % Won | First | Last | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Afghanistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | 2024 | 2024 | |
 Australia | 33 | 5 | 20 | 8 | 0 | 15.15 | 1983 | 2022 | |
 Bangladesh | 26 | 20 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 76.92 | 2001 | 2024 | |
 England | 39 | 9 | 19 | 11 | 0 | 23.07 | 1982 | 2024 | |
 India | 46 | 7 | 22 | 17 | 0 | 15.21 | 1982 | 2022 | |
 Ireland | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 | 2023 | 2023 | |
 New Zealand | 40 | 11 | 18 | 11 | 0 | 27.50 | 1983 | 2024 | |
 Pakistan | 58 | 17 | 22 | 19 | 0 | 29.31 | 1982 | 2023 | |
 South Africa | 32 | 9 | 17 | 6 | 0 | 28.12 | 1993 | 2024 | |
 West Indies | 24 | 11 | 4 | 9 | 0 | 45.83 | 1993 | 2021 | |
 Zimbabwe | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 70.00 | 1994 | 2020 | |
| Total | 322 | 106 | 124 | 92 | 0 | 32.91 | 1982 | 2024 | |
Statistics are correct as of 1st Test  Sri Lanka v South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban; 27–30 November 2024[15][16] | |||||||||
First Test series wins
First Test match wins
| Opponent | Home | Away | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Venue | Year | Venue | |
| Afghanistan | 2024 | Colombo (SSC) | YTP | YTP |
| Australia | 1999 | Kandy | — | — |
| Bangladesh | 2002 | Colombo (PSS) | 2006 | Chittagong |
| England | 1993 | Colombo (SSC) | 1998 | The Oval |
| India | 1985 | Colombo (PSS) | — | — |
| Ireland | 2023 | Galle | YTP | YTP |
| New Zealand | 1992 | Colombo (SSC) | 1995 | Napier |
| Pakistan | 1985 | Colombo (CCC) | 1995 | Faisalabad |
| South Africa | 2000 | Galle | 2011 | Durban |
| West Indies | 2001 | Galle | 2008 | Georgetown |
| Zimbabwe | 1996 | Colombo (RPS) | 1999 | Harare |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[18] | ||||
Team scoring records
Most runs in an innings
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 952–6d ♠ | India | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 2 August 1997 |
| 2 | 760–7d | Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad | 16 November 2009 | |
| 3 | 756–5d | South Africa | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 27 July 2006 |
| 4 | 730–6d | Bangladesh | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka | 27 January 2014 |
| 5 | 713–3d | Zimbabwe | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | 14 May 2004 |
| 713–9d | Bangladesh | ZAC Stadium, Chittagong | 31 January 2018 | |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[19] | ||||
Highest successful run chases
| Rank | Score | Target | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 391/6 | 388 | Zimbabwe |
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 14 July 2017 |
| 2 | 352/9 | 352 | South Africa |
Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 4 August 2006 |
| 3 | 326/5 | 326 | Zimbabwe |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 14 January 1998 |
| 4 | 304/9 | 304 | South Africa |
Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa | 13 February 2019 |
| 5 | 268/4 | 268 | New Zealand |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 14 August 2019 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[20] | |||||
Fewest runs in an innings
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 | South Africa | Kingsmead, Durban | 27 November 2024 |
| 2 | 71 | Pakistan | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy | 26 August 1994 |
| 3 | 73 | 3 April 2006 | ||
| 4 | 81 | England | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 15 March 2001 |
| 5 | 82 | India | Sector 16 Stadium, Chandigarh | 23 November 1990 |
| England | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 26 May 2011 | ||
| Last updated: 1 December 2024[21] | ||||
Most runs conceded in an innings
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 765/6d | Pakistan |
National Stadium, Karachi, Pakistan | 21 February 2009 |
| 2 | 726/9d | India |
Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, India | 2 December 2009 |
| 3 | 707 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 26 July 2010 | |
| 4 | 676/7 | Green Park Stadium, Kanpur, India | 17 December 1986 | |
| 5 | 671/4 | New Zealand |
Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand | 31 January 1991 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[22] | ||||
Fewest runs conceded in an innings
| Rank | Score | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 62 | Bangladesh |
Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 3 July 2007 |
| 2 | 73 | South Africa |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 12 July 2018 |
| 3 | 79 | Zimbabwe |
12 January 2002 | |
| 4 | 81 | England |
18 December 2007 | |
| 5 | 86 | Bangladesh |
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 12 September 2005 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[23] | ||||
Result records
A Test match is won when one side has scored more runs than the total runs scored by the opposing side during their two innings. If both sides have completed both their allocated innings and the side that fielded last has the higher aggregate of runs, it is known as a win by runs. This indicates the number of runs that they had scored more than the opposing side. If one side scores more runs in a single innings than the total runs scored by the other side in both their innings, it is known as a win by innings and runs. If the side batting last wins the match, it is known as a win by wickets, indicating the number of wickets that were still to fall.[24]
Greatest win margins (by innings)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Innings and 280 runs | Ireland |
Galle International Stadium, Galle | 18 April 2023 |
| 2 | Innings and 254 runs | Zimbabwe | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | 14 May 2004 |
| 3 | Innings and 248 runs | Bangladesh | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka | 27 January 2014 |
| 4 | Innings and 240 runs | Zimbabwe | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 6 May 2004 |
| 5 | Innings and 239 runs | India | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 23 July 2008 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[25] | ||||
Greatest win margins (by runs)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 465 runs | Bangladesh | Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong | 3 January 2009 |
| 2 | 328 runs | Bangladesh | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet | 22 March 2024 |
| 3 | 315 runs | Zimbabwe | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 12 January 2002 |
| 4 | 313 runs | South Africa | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 11 August 2004 |
| 5 | 288 runs | Bangladesh | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 28 July 2002 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[25] | ||||
Greatest win margins (by 10 wickets)
| Rank | Number of Victories | Opposition | Most Recent Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | West Indies |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 29 November 2001 |
| India |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 18 July 2010 | ||
| Zimbabwe |
Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe | 19 January 2020 | ||
| 4 | 1 | England |
The Oval, London, England | 14 August 1998 |
| Bangladesh |
Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Bogra, Bangladesh | 8 March 2006 | ||
| New Zealand |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 17 November 2012 | ||
| Afghanistan |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 5 February 2024 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[25] | ||||
Narrowest win margins (by runs)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 runs | Pakistan | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 28 September 2017 |
| 2 | 42 runs | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | 15 September 1995 | |
| 3 | 50 runs | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 4 July 2009 | |
| 4 | 57 runs | Arbab Niaz Stadium, Peshawar | 5 March 2000 | |
| 5 | 63 runs | India | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 12 August 2015 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[26] | ||||
Narrowest win margins (by wickets)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 wicket | South Africa | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 4 August 2006 |
| Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban | 13 February 2019 | |||
| 3 | 2 wickets | Pakistan | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi | 26 February 2000 |
| 4 | 5 wickets | England | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 13 March 1993 |
| Zimbabwe | 14 January 1998 | |||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[26] | ||||
Greatest loss margins (by innings)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Innings and 239 runs | India |
Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India | 24 November 2017 |
| 2 | Innings and 229 runs | South Africa |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 2 January 2001 |
| 3 | Innings and 222 runs | India |
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, India | 4 March 2022 |
| 4 | Pakistan |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 24 July 2023 | |
| 5 | Innings and 208 runs | South Africa |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 6 September 1993 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[27] | ||||
Greatest loss margins (by runs)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 423 runs | New Zealand |
Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand | 26 December 2018 |
| 2 | 366 runs | Australia |
Manuka Oval, Canberra, Australia | 1 February 2019 |
| 3 | 304 runs | India |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 17 July 2017 |
| 4 | 301 runs | Pakistan |
Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 9 August 1994 |
| 5 | 282 runs | South Africa |
Newlands, Cape Town, South Africa | 2 January 2017 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[27] | ||||
Greatest loss margins (by 10 wickets)
| Rank | Number of Defeats | Opposition | Most Recent Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | Pakistan |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 17 June 2015 |
| South Africa |
Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa | 3 January 2021 | ||
| 3 | 1 | Australia |
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia | 26 December 1995 |
| England |
Old Trafford, Manchester, England | 13 June 2002 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[27] | ||||
Narrowest loss margins (by runs)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 runs | South Africa |
Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 30 July 2000 |
| 2 | 16 runs | Australia |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 17 August 1992 |
| 3 | 27 runs | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 16 March 2004 | |
| 4 | 42 runs | England |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 23 November 2018 |
| 5 | 57 runs | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka | 14 November 2018 | |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[28] | ||||
Narrowest loss margins (by wickets)
| Rank | Margin | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 wicket | New Zealand |
Hagley Oval, Christchurch, New Zealand | 9 March 2023 |
| 2 | 3 wicket | Pakistan |
Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan | 2 January 1992 |
| England |
Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 7 March 2001 | ||
| South Africa |
Centurion Park, Centurion, South Africa | 26 December 1998 | ||
| 5 | 4 wicket | England |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 15 March 2001 |
| Bangladesh |
Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 17 March 2017 | ||
| Pakistan |
Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 20 July 2023 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[28] | ||||
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Batting records
Most career runs
Kumar Sangakkara is the fifth-highest scoring batsman in Test cricket.[29]
| Rank | Runs | Player | Matches | Innings | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12,400 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 233 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 11,814 | Mahela Jayawardene | 149 | 252 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 8,042 | Angelo Mathews† | 116 | 206 | 2009–2024 |
| 4 | 7,165 | Dimuth Karunaratne† | 98 | 187 | 2012–2024 |
| 5 | 6,973 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 110 | 188 | 1991–2007 |
| 6 | 6,361 | Aravinda de Silva | 93 | 159 | 1984–2002 |
| 7 | 6,019 | Dinesh Chandimal† | 86 | 154 | 2011–2024 |
| 8 | 5,502 | Marvan Atapattu | 90 | 156 | 1990–2007 |
| 9 | 5,492 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | 87 | 145 | 1999–2013 |
| 10 | 5,462 | Thilan Samaraweera | 81 | 132 | 2001–2013 |
| Last updated: 9 December 2024[29] | |||||
Fastest runs getter
| Runs | Batsman | Match | Innings | Record Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Kamindu Mendis | 8 | 13 | 26 September 2024 | [30] |
| 2000 | Kumar Sangakkara | 29 | 46 | 20 June 2003 | [31] |
| 3000 | Mahela Jayawardene | 42 | 65 | 16 May 2002 | [32] |
| 4000 | 57 | 91 | 24 March 2004 | [33] | |
| 5000 | Kumar Sangakkara | 64 | 106 | 15 December 2006 | [34] |
| 6000 | 71 | 116 | 18 December 2007 | [35] | |
| 7000 | 83 | 138 | 20 July 2009 | [36] | |
| 8000 | 91 ♠ | 152 ♠ | 3 August 2010 | [37] | |
| 9000 | 103 ♠ | 172 ♠ | 3 November 2011 | [38] | |
| 10000 | 115 | 195 ♠ | 26 December 2012 | [39] | |
| 11000 | 122 ♠ | 208 ♠ | 4 February 2014 | [40] | |
| 12000 | 130 ♠ | 224 ♠ | 3 January 2015 | [41] | |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024 | |||||
Most runs in each batting position
| Batting position | Batsman | Innings | Runs | Average | Test Career Span | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opener | Dimuth Karunaratne† | 182 | 7,072 | 40.41 | 2012–2024 | [42] |
| Number 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | 207 | 11,679 | 60.83 | 2000–2015 | [43] |
| Number 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | 195 | 9,509 | 52.25 | 1997–2014 | [44] |
| Number 5 | Thilan Samaraweera | 93 | 3,903 | 47.60 | 2001–2013 | [45] |
| Number 6 | Hashan Tillakaratne | 58 | 2,843 | 47.38 | 1989–2004 | [46] |
| Number 7 | Prasanna Jayawardene | 62 | 1,661 | 30.20 | 2000–2015 | [47] |
| Number 8 | Chaminda Vaas | 98 | 1,913 | 25.17 | 1994–2009 | [48] |
| Number 9 | 42 | 847 | 28.23 | 1994–2009 | [49] | |
| Number 10 | Suranga Lakmal | 45 | 415 | 12.58 | 2010–2020 | [50] |
| Number 11 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 98 | 623 | 11.33 | 1992–2010 | [51] |
| Last updated: 9 December 2024. | ||||||
Most runs against each team
| Opposition | Runs | Player | Matches | Innings | Period | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
141 | Angelo Mathews† | 1 | 1 | 2024–2024 | [52] |
| Australia |
969 | Mahela Jayawardene | 16 | 29 | 1999–2013 | [53] |
| Bangladesh |
1,816 | Kumar Sangakkara | 15 | 21 | 2001–2014 | [54] |
| England |
2,212 | Mahela Jayawardene | 23 | 41 | 1998–2014 | [55] |
| India |
1,822 | 18 | 28 | 1997–2010 | [56] | |
| Ireland |
385 | Kusal Mendis† | 2 | 2 | 2023-2023 | [57] |
| New Zealand |
1,178 | Angelo Mathews† | 15 | 27 | 2009–2024 | [58] |
| Pakistan |
2,911 | Kumar Sangakkara | 23 | 45 | 2002–2015 | [59] |
| South Africa |
1,782 | Mahela Jayawardene | 17 | 32 | 2000–2014 | [60] |
| West Indies |
918 | Kumar Sangakkara | 12 | 19 | 2001–2010 | [61] |
| Zimbabwe |
1,145 | Marvan Atapattu | 10 | 15 | 1998–2004 | [62] |
| Last updated: 27 September 2024. | ||||||
Highest individual score
| Rank | Runs | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 374 | Mahela Jayawardene | South Africa | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 27 July 2006 |
| 2 | 340 | Sanath Jayasuriya | India | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 2 August 1997 |
| 3 | 319 | Kumar Sangakkara | Bangladesh | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong | 4 February 2014 |
| 4 | 287 | South Africa | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 27 July 2006 | |
| 5 | 275 | Mahela Jayawardene | India | Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad | 16 November 2009 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[63] | |||||
Highest individual score – progression of record
| Runs | Player | Opponent | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Roy Dias | England | Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 1981–82 |
| 157 | Sidath Wettimuny | Pakistan | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan | |
| 190 | England | Lord's, London, England | 1984 | |
| 201* | Brendon Kuruppu | New Zealand | Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 1987 |
| 267 | Aravinda de Silva | Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand | 1991 | |
| 340 | Sanath Jayasuriya | India | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 1997 |
| 374 | Mahela Jayawardene | South Africa | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 2006 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[63] | ||||
Highest individual score against each team
| Opposition | Runs | Player | Venue | Date | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
141 | Angelo Mathews | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 3 February 2024 | |
| Australia |
206* | Dinesh Chandimal | Galle Stadium, Galle | 11 July 2022 | [64] |
| Bangladesh |
319 | Kumar Sangakkara | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chittagong | 4 February 2014 | [65] |
| England |
213* | Mahela Jayawardene | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 18 December 2007 | [66] |
| India |
340 | Sanath Jayasuriya | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 2 August 1997 | [67] |
| Ireland |
245 | Kusal Mendis | Galle Stadium, Galle | 24 April 2023 | [68] |
| New Zealand |
267 | Aravinda de Silva | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 31 January 1991 | [69] |
| Pakistan |
253 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad | 20 October 2004 | [70] |
| South Africa |
374 | Mahela Jayawardene | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 27 July 2006 | [71] |
| West Indies |
204* | Hashan Tillakaratne | 29 November 2001 | [72] | |
| Zimbabwe |
270 | Kumar Sangakkara | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | 14 May 2004 | [73] |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024. | |||||
Highest career average
In cricket, batting average is the mean number of runs scored per innings. It is calculated by dividing total runs scored (including innings where he remained not out) by the number of times the batsman has been dismissed.[74]
| Rank | Average | Player | Innings | Runs | Not out | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 57.40 | Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 17 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 49.84 | Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 15 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 48.76 | Thilan Samaraweera | 132 | 5,462 | 20 | 2001–2013 |
| 4 | 44.92 | Angelo Mathews† | 206 | 8,042 | 27 | 2009–2024 |
| 5 | 43.30 | Dinesh Chandimal † | 154 | 6,019 | 15 | 2011–2024 |
| Qualification: 20 innings. Last updated: 9 December 2024[75] | ||||||
Highest Average in each batting position
| Batting position | Batsman | Innings | Runs | Average | Career Span | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opener | Marvan Atapattu | 136 | 5,317 | 43.23 | 1990–2007 | [76] |
| Number 3 | Kumar Sangakkara | 207 | 11,679 | 60.83 | 2000–2015 | [77] |
| Number 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | 195 | 9,509 | 52.25 | 1997–2014 | [78] |
| Number 5 | Dinesh Chandimal† | 51 | 2,213 | 50.29 | 2013–2024 | [79] |
| Number 6 | Angelo Mathews† | 38 | 2,161 | 48.02 | 2009–2018 | [80] |
| Number 7 | Hashan Tillakaratne | 22 | 701 | 50.07 | 1989–2004 | [81] |
| Number 8 | Chaminda Vaas | 98 | 1,913 | 25.17 | 1994–2009 | [82] |
| Number 9 | 42 | 847 | 28.23 | 1994–2009 | [83] | |
| Number 10 | Suranga Lakmal | 45 | 415 | 12.5< | 2011–2019 | [84] |
| Number 11 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 98 | 623 | 11.33 | 1992–2010 | [85] |
| Last updated:1 December 2024. Qualification: Min 20 innings batted at position | ||||||
Most Test half-centuries
| Rank | Half centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 52 | Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 50 | Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 44 | Angelo Mathews† | 206 | 8,042 | 2009–2024 |
| 4 | 39 | Dimuth Karunaratne† | 187 | 7,165 | 2012–2024 |
| 5 | 38 | Arjuna Ranatunga | 155 | 5,105 | 1982–2000 |
| Last updated: 09 December 2024[86] | |||||
Most Test centuries
| Rank | Centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 38 | Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 34 | Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 20 | Aravinda de Silva | 159 | 6,361 | 1984–2002 |
| 4 | 16 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | 145 | 5,492 | 1999–2013 |
| Dinesh Chandimal† | 154 | 6,019 | 2011–2024 | ||
| Marvan Atapattu | 156 | 5,502 | 1990–2007 | ||
| Dimuth Karunaratne† | 187 | 7,165 | 2012–2024 | ||
| Angelo Mathews† | 206 | 8,042 | 2009–2024 | ||
| Last updated: 09 December 2024[87] | |||||
Most Test double centuries
| Rank | Double centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 7 | Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 6 | Marvan Atapattu | 156 | 5,502 | 1990–2007 |
| 4 | 3 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 188 | 6,973 | 1991–2007 |
| 5 | 2 | Aravinda de Silva | 159 | 6,361 | 1984–2002 |
| Thilan Samaraweera | 132 | 5,462 | 2001–2013 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[88] | |||||
Most triple centuries
| Rank | Triple centuries | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 188 | 6,973 | 1991–2007 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 2000–2015 | ||
| Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 1997–2014 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[89] | |||||
Most Sixes
| Rank | Sixes | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 88 | Angelo Mathews† | 206 | 8,042 | 2009–2024 |
| 2 | 61 | Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 59 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 188 | 6,973 | 1991–2007 |
| 4 | 51 | Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 2000–2015 |
| 5 | 48 | Aravinda de Silva | 159 | 6,361 | 1984–2002 |
| Last updated: 09 December 2024[90] | |||||
Most Fours
| Rank | Fours | Player | Innings | Runs | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,491 | Kumar Sangakkara | 233 | 12,400 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 1,387 | Mahela Jayawardene | 252 | 11,814 | 1997–2014 |
| 3 | 910 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 188 | 6,973 | 1991–2007 |
| 4 | 820 | Angelo Mathews† | 204 | 7,966 | 2009–2024 |
| 5 | 759 | Dimuth Karunaratne † | 187 | 7,165 | 1984–2002 |
| Last updated: 9 December 2024[91] | |||||
Highest batting strike rate
| Rank | Strike Rate | Player | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72.25 | Kusal Perera | 1,177 | 1,629 | 2015–2021 |
| 2 | 70.28 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 1,261 | 1,794 | 1992–2010 |
| 3 | 66.46 | Niroshan Dickwella† | 2,757 | 4,148 | 2014–2023 |
| 4 | 65.54 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | 5,492 | 8,379 | 1999–2013 |
| 5 | 65.18 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 6,973 | 10,698 | 1991–2007 |
| Qualification: 1,000 balls. Last updated: 29 April 2023[92] | |||||
Most runs in a series
| Rank | Runs | Player | Matches | Innings | Series | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 571 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 2 | 3 | Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 1997 | ||
| 2 | 516 | Kumar Sangakkara | 3 | 6 | Sri Lankan cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2011–12 | ||
| 3 | 510 | Mahela Jayawardena | 2 | 3 | South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2006 | ||
| 4 | 499 | Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lankan cricket team in Bangladesh in 2013-14 | ||||
| 5 | 493 | Aravinda de Silva | 3 | 5 | Sri Lankan cricket team in New Zealand in 1990-91 | ||
| Last updated: 19 July 2023[93] | |||||||
Most ducks in career
"Duck" refers to a batsman dismissed without scoring.[94]
| Rank | Ducks | Player | Matches | Innings | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 132 | 162 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 23 | Rangana Herath | 93 | 144 | 1999–2018 |
| 3 | 22 | Marvan Atapattu | 90 | 156 | 1990–2007 |
| 4 | 21 | Suranga Lakmal | 69 | 107 | 2010–2022 |
| 5 | 18 | Nuwan Pradeep | 28 | 50 | 2011–2017 |
| Last updated: 29 April 2023[95] | |||||
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Most wickets in a career
Muralitharan, who is the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, has taken 5 wickets for the ICC World XI team during a match in 2005, which are not included in this list.[96] Muralitharan and Shane Warne—who ranks second with 708 wickets—are the only bowlers who have captured more than 700 Test wickets.[97]
| Rank | Wickets | Player | Matches | Innings | Average | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 795 ♠ | Muttiah Muralitharan | 132 | 228 | 22.67 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 433 | Rangana Herath | 93 | 170 | 28.07 | 1999–2018 |
| 3 | 355 | Chaminda Vaas | 111 | 194 | 29.58 | 1994–2009 |
| 4 | 171 | Suranga Lakmal | 70 | 122 | 36.44 | 2010–2022 |
| 5 | 161 | Dilruwan Perera | 43 | 78 | 35.9 | 2014–2021 |
| 6 | 107 | Prabath Jayasuriya† | 18 | 34 | 29.21 | 2022–2024 |
| 7 | 104 | Lahiru Kumara† | 33 | 56 | 35.69 | 2016–2024 |
| 8 | 107 | Lasith Malinga | 30 | 59 | 33.15 | 2004–2010 |
| 8 | 100 | Dilhara Fernando | 40 | 68 | 37.84 | 2000–2012 |
| 10 | 98 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 110 | 140 | 34.34 | 1991–2007 |
| Last updated: 09 December 2024[98] | ||||||
Most career wickets against each team
| Opposition | Wickets | Player | Matches | Innings | Average | Period | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
8 | Prabath Jayasuriya† | 1 | 2 | 21.75 | 2024–2024 | [99] |
| Australia |
66 | Rangana Herath | 11 | 19 | 22.63 | 1999–2016 | [100] |
| Bangladesh |
89 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 11 | 22 | 13.37 | 2001–2009 | [101] |
| England |
112 | 16 | 30 | 20.06 | 1993–2007 | [102] | |
| India |
105 | 22 | 32 | 32.61 | 1993–2010 | [103] | |
| Ireland |
17 | Prabath Jayasuriya† | 2 | 4 | 21.76 | 2023-2023 | [104] |
| New Zealand |
68 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 14 | 25 | 25.97 | 1992–2009 | [105] |
| Pakistan |
106 | Rangana Herath | 21 | 40 | 28.07 | 2000–2017 | [106] |
| South Africa |
104 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 15 | 27 | 22.22 | 1993–2006 | [107] |
| West Indies |
82 | 12 | 22 | 19.62 | 1993–2008 | [108] | |
| Zimbabwe |
87 | 14 | 26 | 16.86 | 1994–2004 | [109] | |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024 | |||||||
Fastest wicket taker
| Wickets | Bowler | Match | Record Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | Prabath Jayasuriya | 7 | 24 April 2023 | [110] |
| 100 | 17 | 27 November 2024 | [111] | |
| 150 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 36 | 14 January 1998 | [112] |
| 200 | 42 | 27 August 1998 | [113] | |
| 250 | 51 | 12 March 2000 | [114] | |
| 300 | 58 | 26 December 2000 | [115] | |
| 350 | 66 ♠ | 6 September 2001 | [116] | |
| 400 | 72 ♠ | 12 January 2002 | [117] | |
| 450 | 80 ♠ | 3 May 2003 | [118] | |
| 500 | 87 ♠ | 16 March 2004 | [119] | |
| 600 | 101 ♠ | 8 March 2006 | [120] | |
| 700 | 113 ♠ | 11 July 2007 | [121] | |
| 750 | 122 ♠ | 31 July 2008 | [122] | |
| 800 | 133 ♠ | 18 July 2010 | [123] | |
| Last updated: 30 November 2024 | ||||
Best figures in an innings
Muttiah Muralitharan's 9 wickets for 51 runs against Zimbabwe is Test cricket's fifth-best bowling figures in a single innings.[124] Also Rangana Herath's 9 wickets for 127 runs against Pakistan is the Best bowling figures by a left hand bowler in Test cricket history.[125]
| Rank | Figures | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9/51 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Zimbabwe | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy Sri Lanka | 4 January 2002 |
| 2 | 9/65 | England | The Oval, London, England | 27 August 1998 | |
| 3 | 9/127 | Rangana Herath | Pakistan | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 15 August 2014 |
| 4 | 8/46 | Muttiah Muralitharan | West Indies | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 22 July 2005 |
| 5 | 8/63 | Rangana Herath | Zimbabwe | Harare Sports Club, Harare, Zimbabwe | 6 November 2016 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[126] | |||||
Best figures in an innings against each team
| Opposition | Figures | Player | Venue | Date | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan |
5/107 | Prabath Jayasuriya | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 5 February 2024 | [127] |
| Australia |
7/64 | Rangana Herath | 13 August 2016 | [128] | |
| Bangladesh |
7/89 | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 16 March 2013 | [129] | |
| England |
9/65 | Muttiah Muralitharan | The Oval, London | 27 August 1998 | [130] |
| India |
8/87 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | 29 August 2001 | [131] | |
| Ireland |
7/52 | Prabath Jayasuriya | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 18 April 2023 | [132] |
| New Zealand |
6/42 | 26 September 2024 | [133] | ||
| Pakistan |
9/127 | Rangana Herath | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo | 15 August 2014 | [134] |
| South Africa |
7/84 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 20 July 2000 | [135] |
| West Indies |
8/46 | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy | 22 July 2005 | [136] | |
| Zimbabwe |
9/51 | 4 January 2002 | [137] | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024 | |||||
Best figures in a match
The Sri Lankan record of 16 wickets for 220 runs set by Muttiah Muralitharan against England is the fifth-best figures by a bowler in a single Test match.[138]
| Rank | Figures | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 16/220 | Muttiah Muralitharan | England | The Oval, London, England | 27 August 1998 |
| 2 | 14/184 | Rangana Herath | Pakistan | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 16 August 2014 |
| 3 | 14/191 | Chaminda Vaas | West Indies | 29 November 2001 | |
| 4 | 13/115 | Muttiah Muralitharan | Zimbabwe | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 4 January 2002 |
| 5 | 13/145 | Rangana Herath | Australia | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 17 August 2016 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[139] | |||||
Best career average
Bowling average is the measurement of mean runs conceded per wicket. In calculating this the total number of runs conceded by the bowler is divided by the number of wickets captured.[74]
| Rank | Average | Player | Wickets | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22.67 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 795 | 18,023 | 43,715 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 26.66 | Asitha Fernando† | 72 | 1,920 | 3,249 | 2021–2024 |
| 3 | 28.07 | Rangana Herath | 433 | 12,157 | 25,993 | 1999–2018 |
| 4 | 29.21 | Prabath Jayasuriya† | 107 | 3,126 | 5,903 | 2022–2024 |
| 5 | 29.58 | Chaminda Vaas | 355 | 10,501 | 23,438 | 1994–2009 |
| Kasun Rajitha† | 55 | 1,627 | 2,996 | 2018–2024 | ||
| Qualification: 2,000 deliveries. Last updated: 9 December 2024[140] | ||||||
Best career economy rate
A bowler's economy rate is the total number of runs they have conceded divided by the number of overs they have bowled.[94]
| Rank | Economy rate | Player | Wickets | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.33 | Don Anurasiri | 41 | 1,548 | 3,973 | 1986–1998 |
| 2 | 2.46 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 98 | 3,366 | 8,188 | 1991–2007 |
| 3 | 2.47 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 795 | 18,023 | 43,715 | 1992–2010 |
| 4 | 2.52 | Kumar Dharmasena | 69 | 2,920 | 6,939 | 1993–2004 |
| 5 | 2.62 | Jayananda Warnaweera | 32 | 1,021 | 2,333 | 1984–1994 |
| Arjuna Ranatunga | 16 | 1,040 | 2,373 | 1984–2000 | ||
| Qualification: 2,000 balls. Last updated: 23 September 2024[141] | ||||||
Best career strike rate
A bowler's strike rate is the total number of balls they have bowled divided by the number of wickets they have taken.[94]
| Rank | Strike rate | Player | Wickets | Runs | Balls | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 45.12 | Asitha Fernando† | 72 | 1,920 | 3,249 | 2021–2024 |
| 2 | 51.57 | Lasith Malinga | 101 | 3,349 | 5,209 | 2004–2010 |
| 3 | 54.07 | Vishwa Fernando† | 79 | 2,534 | 4,272 | 2016–2024 |
| 4 | 54.47 | Kasun Rajitha† | 55 | 1,627 | 2,996 | 2018–2024 |
| 5 | 54.98 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 795 | 18,023 | 43,715 | 1992–2010 |
| Qualification: 2,000 balls. Last updated: 9 December 2024[142] | ||||||
Most five-wicket hauls in an innings
Taking five or more wickets in a single innings (called a five-wicket haul, fifer or five-for) is considered a notable achievement for a bowler.[143] Muralitharan is well ahead of other bowlers by number of five-wicket hauls in Tests with 67 to his name; Australian cricketer Shane Warne ranks in second place with only 37, 30 below Murali. Which shows the class of Murali in bowling compared to Warne.[144]
| Rank | Five-wicket hauls | Player | Innings | Balls | Wickets | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 67 ♠ | Muttiah Muralitharan | 228 | 43,715 | 795 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 34 | Rangana Herath | 170 | 25,993 | 433 | 1999–2018 |
| 3 | 12 | Chaminda Vaas | 194 | 23,438 | 355 | 1994–2009 |
| 4 | 10 | Prabath Jayasuriya† | 34 | 5,903 | 107 | 2022–2024 |
| 5 | 8 | Dilruwan Perera | 78 | 10,805 | 161 | 2014–2021 |
| Last updated: 09 December 2024[145] | ||||||
Most ten-wickets in a match
Muralitharan has taken ten or more wickets in a match on more occasions than any other bowler in Test cricket. He has performed this feat 22 times, more than double the number of the bowler ranking second—Shane Warne, who has achieved this on 10 occasions.[146]
| Rank | Ten-wicket hauls | Player | Matches | Balls | Wickets | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 ♠ | Muttiah Muralitharan | 132 | 43,715 | 795 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 9 | Rangana Herath | 93 | 25,993 | 433 | 1999–2018 |
| 3 | 2 | Prabath Jayasuriya† | 18 | 5,903 | 107 | 2022–2024 |
| Dilruwan Perera | 43 | 10,805 | 161 | 2014–2021 | ||
| Chaminda Vaas | 111 | 23,438 | 355 | 1994–2009 | ||
| Last updated: 09 December 2024[147] | ||||||
Worst figures in an innings
| Rank | Figures | Player | Overs | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0/164 | Lahiru Kumara | 25 | New Zealand | Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand | 17 March 2023 |
| 2 | 0/144 | Kasun Rajitha | 34 | 15 December 2018 | ||
| 3 | 0/141 | Asoka de Silva | 56 | 31 January 1991 | ||
| 4 | 0/139 | Ramesh Mendis | 36 | Pakistan | Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 24 July 2023 |
| 5 | 0/137 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 46 | India | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India | 26 November 1997 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[148] | ||||||
Worst figures in a match
| Rank | Figures | Player | Overs | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0/164 | Dilruwan Perera | 47 | Australia | Manuka Oval, Canberra, Australia | 1 February 2019 |
| Lahiru Kumara | 25 | New Zealand | Basin Reserve, Wellington, New Zealand | 17 March 2023 | ||
| 3 | 0/155 | Praveen Jayawickrama | 51 | Bangladesh | Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh | 23 May 2022 |
| 4 | 0/154 | Chaminda Vaas | 40 | Australia | Cazaly's Stadium, Cairns, Australia | 9 July 2004 |
| 5 | 0/151 | Nuwan Pradeep | 32 | Pakistan | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 30 June 2012 |
| Last updated:23 September 2024[149] | ||||||
Most wickets in a series
| Rank | Wickets | Player | Matches | BBI | BBM | 5w/10w | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 3 | 9/51 | 13/115 | 2/1 | Zimbabwean cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2001–02 |
| 2 | 28 | Rangana Herath | 7/64 | 13/145 | 3/1 | Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2016 | |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 6/59 | 11/212 | 4/1 | Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2003–04 | |||
| 3 | 26 | 6/28 | 12/82 | 3/1 | Bangladeshi cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2007 | ||
| 7/46 | 11/93 | 1/1 | English cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2003–04 | ||||
| 7/84 | 13/171 | 3/1 | South African cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2000 | ||||
| 6/71 | 10/148 | 1/1 | Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan in 1999-2000 | ||||
| Chaminda Vaas | 7/71 | 14/191 | 2/1 | West Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2001–02 | |||
| Ajantha Mendis | 6/117 | 10/209 | Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2008 | ||||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[150] | |||||||
Hat-trick
In cricket, a hat-trick occurs when a bowler takes three wickets with consecutive deliveries. The deliveries may be interrupted by an over bowled by another bowler from the other end of the pitch or the other team's innings, but must be three consecutive deliveries by the individual bowler in the same match. Only wickets attributed to the bowler count towards a hat-trick; run outs do not count.
| No. | Bowler | Against | Inn. | Test | Dismissals | Venue | Date | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nuwan Zoysa | Zimbabwe |
1 | 2/3 | Harare Sports Club, Harare | 26 November 1999 | [151] | |
| 2 | Rangana Herath | Australia | 1 | 2/3 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 5 August 2016 | [152] |
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A wicketkeeper can assist in the dismissal of a batsman by taking a catch or stumping.[153] A catch taken by the wicketkeeper means the batsman will be ruled out caught, although it may be referred to as "caught behind". A stumping occurs when the wicketkeeper catches a ball delivered by the bowler (provided it is a legal delivery) and putting down the batsman's wicket while he is out of his ground.[154]
Most dismissals
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Matches | Innings | Catches | Stumping | Dis/Inn | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 160 | Niroshan Dickwella† | 54 | 96 | 133 | 27 | 1.666 | 2014–2023 |
| 2 | 156 | Prasanna Jayawardene | 58 | 102 | 124 | 32 | 1.529 | 2000–2015 |
| 3 | 151 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 90 | 131 | 20 | 1.677 | 2000–2015 |
| 4 | 119 | Romesh Kaluwitharana | 49 | 85 | 93 | 26 | 1.400 | 1992–2004 |
| 5 | 81 | Dinesh Chandimal† | 82 | 54 | 71 | 10 | 1.490 | 2011–2024 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[155] | ||||||||
Most catches
| Rank | Catches | Player | Matches | Innings | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 133 | Niroshan Dickwella† | 54 | 96 | 2014–2023 |
| 2 | 131 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 90 | 2000–2015 |
| 3 | 124 | Prasanna Jayawardene | 58 | 102 | 2000–2015 |
| 4 | 93 | Romesh Kaluwitharana | 49 | 85 | 1992–2004 |
| 5 | 71 | Dinesh Chandimal† | 82 | 54 | 2011–2024 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[155] | |||||
Most stumpings
| Rank | Stumpings | Player | Matches | Innings | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | Prasanna Jayawardene | 58 | 102 | 2000–2015 |
| 2 | 27 | Niroshan Dickwella† | 54 | 96 | 2014–2022 |
| 3 | 26 | Romesh Kaluwitharana | 49 | 85 | 1992–2004 |
| 4 | 20 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 90 | 2000–2015 |
| 5 | 10 | Dinesh Chandimal† | 82 | 54 | 2011–2024 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[155] | |||||
Most dismissals in an innings
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | Amal Silva | India |
Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 30 August 1985 |
| Dinesh Chandimal† | Pakistan |
Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 25 June 2015 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[156] | |||||
Most dismissals in a match
Most dismissals in a series
| Rank | Dismissals | Player | Matches | Innings | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | Amal Silva | 3 | 6 | Indian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 1985 |
| 2 | 18 | Prasanna Jayawardene | 3 | 6 | Sri Lankan cricket team against Pakistan in the UAE in 2013–14 |
| 3 | 15 | Hashan Tillakaratne | 6 | Sri Lankan cricket team in New Zealand in 1990–91 | |
| Dinesh Chandimal | 5 | Pakistan cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2015 | |||
| 5 | 14 | 6 | Sri Lankan cricket team in South Africa in 2016-17 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[158] | |||||
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Most catches in a career
A "catch" occurs when a ball hit by the batsman in the air is held by a fielder within the field of play, before it hits the ground. In such a case, the batsman is ruled out caught.[159]
| Rank | Catches | Player | Matches | Innings | Ct/Inn | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 205 | Mahela Jayawardene | 149 | 270 | 0.759 | 1997–2014 |
| 2 | 89 | Hashan Tillakaratne | 83 | 123 | 0.723 | 1989–2004 |
| 3 | 83 | Kusal Mendis† | 68 | 114 | 0.728 | 2015–2024 |
| 4 | 82 | Dananjaya de Silva † | 61 | 111 | 0.738 | 2016–2024 |
| 5 | 78 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 110 | 196 | 0.397 | 1991–2007 |
| Last updated: 9 December 2024[160] | ||||||
Most catches in a series
1000 runs and 100 wickets
A total of 71 players have achieved the double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in their Test career.[162]
| Rank | Player | Average Difference | Period | Matches | Runs | Bat Avg | Wickets | Bowl Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chaminda Vaas | −5.25 | 1994-2009 | 111 | 3089 | 24.32 | 355 | 29.58 |
| 2 | Muttiah Muralitharan | −10.79 | 1992-2010 | 132 | 1259 | 11.87 | 795 | 22.67 |
| 3 | Rangana Herath | −13.42 | 1999-2018 | 93 | 1699 | 14.64 | 433 | 28.07 |
| 4 | Dilruwan Perera | −17.01 | 2014-2021 | 43 | 1303 | 18.88 | 161 | 35.90 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[163] | ||||||||
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Most career matches
| Rank | Matches | Player | Runs | Wkts | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 149 | Mahela Jayawardene | 11,814 | 6 | 1997–2014 |
| 2 | 134 | Kumar Sangakkara | 12,400 | 0 | 2000–2015 |
| 3 | 132 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 1,259 | 795 | 1992–2010 |
| 4 | 115 | Angelo Mathews | 7,966 | 33 | 2009–present |
| 5 | 111 | Chaminda Vaas | 3,089 | 355 | 1994–2009 |
| Last updated: 1 December 2024[164] | |||||
Most consecutive career matches
| Rank | Matches | Player | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 93 | Mahela Jayawardene | 2002–2013 |
| 2 | 53 | Marvan Atapattu | 1997–2002 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[165] | |||
Most matches played as captain
| Rank | Matches | Player | Won | Lost | Tied | Draw | %W | %L | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 56 | Arjuna Ranatunga | 12 | 19 | 0 | 25 | 21.42 | 33.92 | 1989–1999 |
| 2 | 38 | Sanath Jayasuriya | 18 | 12 | 8 | 47.36 | 31.57 | 1999–2002 | |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 2006–2009 | ||||||||
| 4 | 34 | Angelo Mathews | 13 | 15 | 6 | 38.23 | 44.11 | 2013–2017 | |
| 5 | 30 | Dimuth Karunaratne | 12 | 12 | 40.00 | 40.00 | 2019–2023 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[166] | |||||||||
Most man of the match awards
| Rank | M.O.M. Awards | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 19 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 132 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 16 | Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 2000–2015 |
| 3 | 13 | Mahela Jayawardene | 149 | 1997–2014 |
| 4 | 11 | Aravinda de Silva | 93 | 1984–2002 |
| Rangana Herath | 1999–2018 | |||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[167] | ||||
Most man of the series awards
| Rank | M.O.S. Awards | Player | Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 | Muttiah Muralitharan | 132 | 1992–2010 |
| 2 | 5 | Rangana Herath | 93 | 1999–2018 |
| 3 | 4 | Dimuth Karunaratne † | 84 | 2012–2023 |
| Aravinda de Silva | 93 | 1984–2002 | ||
| Angelo Mathews † | 102 | 2009–2023 | ||
| Kumar Sangakkara | 134 | 2000–2015 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[168] | ||||
Youngest players on Debut
| Rank | Age | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17 years and 189 days | Sanjeewa Weerasinghe | India | Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 6 September 1985 | |
| 2 | 18 years and 78 days | Arjuna Ranatunga | England | 17 February 1982 | ||
| 3 | 18 years and 81 days | Roshan Jurangpathy | India | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 14 September 1985 | |
| 4 | 18 years and 147 days | Malinga Bandara | New Zealand | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 27 May 1998 | |
| 5 | 18 years and 298 days | Nuwan Zoysa | Carisbrook, Dunedin, New Zealand | 7 March 1997 | ||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[169][170] | ||||||
Oldest players on debut
| Rank | Age | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 39 years and 251 days | Somachandra de Silva | England | Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka | 17 February 1982 | |
| 2 | 32 years and 237 days | Lalith Kaluperuma | ||||
| 3 | 31 years and 330 days | Mahela Udawatte | West Indies | Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia | 14 June 2018 | |
| 4 | 31 years and 266 days | Mithra Wettimuny | New Zealand | Lancaster Park, Christchurch, New Zealand | 4 March 1983 | |
| 5 | 31 years and 236 days | Sridharan Jeganathan | ||||
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[171][172] | ||||||
Oldest players
| Rank | Age | Player | Opposition | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 42 years and 73 days | Somachandra de Silva | England | Lord's, London, England | 23 August 1984 | |
| 2 | 40 years and 232 days | Rangana Herath | Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 6 November 2018 | ||
| 3 | 38 years and 184 days | Dilruwan Perera | 22 January 2021 | |||
| 4 | 38 years and 154 days | Sanath Jayasuriya | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka | 1 December 2007 | ||
| 5 | 38 years and 92 days | Muttiah Muralitharan | India | Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka | 18 July 2008 | |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[173][174] | ||||||
Highest wicket partnerships
Sri Lanka holds the highest partnerships in Test cricket for any wicket and, with the records for the second, and third wickets.[175]
| Wicket | Runs | 1st batsman | 2nd batsman | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st wicket | 335 | Sanath Jayasuriya | Marvan Atapattu | Pakistan | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy | 28 June 2000 |
| 2nd wicket ♠ | 576 | Roshan Mahanama | India | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 2 August 1997 | |
| 3rd wicket ♠ | 624 | Kumar Sangakkara | Mahela Jayawardene | South Africa | SSC Ground, Colombo | 27 July 2006 |
| 4th wicket | 437 | Thilan Samaraweera | Pakistan | National Stadium, Karachi | 21 February 2009 | |
| 5th wicket | 280 | Tillakaratne Dilshan | Bangladesh | P Sara Oval, Colombo | 20 September 2005 | |
| 6th wicket | 351 | Mahela Jayawardene | Prasanna Jayawardene | India | Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad | 16 November 2009 |
| 7th wicket | 223* | Chaminda Vaas | Bangladesh | SSC Ground, Colombo | 25 June 2007 | |
| 8th wicket | 170 | Mahela Jayawardene | South Africa | Galle International Stadium, Galle | 4 August 2004 | |
| 9th wicket | 124 | Dhananjaya de Silva | Lasith Embuldeniya | West Indies | 29 November 2021 | |
| 10th wicket | 79 | Chaminda Vaas | Muttiah Muralitharan | Australia | Asgiriya Stadium, Kandy | 16 March 2004 |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[176] | ||||||
Highest partnerships
The world record partnership between Jayawardene and Sangakkara for 624 runs, and the partnership between Jayasuriya and Mahanama for 576 runs (which was the previous world record, and is now the second-highest partnership in Tests) are the only Test partnerships to surpass 500 runs.[177][178]
| Runs | Wicket | 1st batsman | 2nd batsman | Opposition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 624 ♠ | 3rd wicket | Kumar Sangakkara | Mahela Jayawardene | South Africa | SSC Ground, Colombo | 27 July 2006 |
| 576 ♠ | 2nd wicket | Sanath Jayasuriya | Roshan Mahanama | India | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 2 August 1997 |
| 438 | Marvan Atapattu | Kumar Sangakkara | Zimbabwe | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo | 14 May 2004 | |
| 437 | 4th wicket | Mahela Jayawardene | Thilan Samaraweera | Pakistan | National Stadium, Karachi | 21 February 2009 |
| 351 | 6th wicket | Prasanna Jayawardene | India | Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad | 16 November 2009 | |
| Last updated: 23 September 2024[179] | ||||||
Highest overall partnership runs by a pair
| Rank | Runs | Innings | Players | Highest | Average | 100/50 | T20I career span | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6,554 | 120 | Mahela Jayawardene & Kumar Sangakkara | 624 | 56.5 | 19/27 | 2000–2014 | |
| 2 | 4,533 | 122 | Marvan Atapattu & Sanath Jayasuriya | 335 | 39.41 | 9/24 | 2004–2012 | |
| 3 | 3,247 | 55 | Mahela Jayawardene & Thilan Samaraweera | 437 | 61.26 | 11/9 | 2003–2013 | |
| 4 | 3,132 | 74 | Dinesh Chandimal & Angelo Mathews † | 232 | 46.05 | 8/14 | 2012–2024 | |
| 5 | 2,812 | 57 | Aravinda de Silva & Arjuna Ranatunga | 189* | 53.05 | 11/11 | 1985–2000 | |
| An asterisk (*) signifies an unbroken partnership (i.e. neither of the batsmen was dismissed before either the end of the allotted overs or the required score being reached). Last updated: 9 December 2024[180] | ||||||||
| Rank | Matches | Umpire | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 87 | Kumar Dharmasena† | 2010–2024 |
| 2 | 49 | Asoka de Silva | 2000–2011 |
| 3 | 25 | K. T. Francis | 1982–1999 |
| 4 | 21 | B. C. Cooray | 1992–2001 |
| 5 | 11 | Peter Manuel | 1993–2001 |
| Last updated: 1 December 2024[181] | |||
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