Pumudu Liyanage

Born on 27 February 1986, Pumudu Liyanage grew up amid the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, where cricket was more than just a game—it was woven into the fabric of daily life. From the unpaved streets of his hometown, armed with a tennis ball and makeshift wickets, Pumudu’s passion for the sport ignited at an early age. His natural talent as a bowler soon became apparent, turning heads at local matches with his right-arm deliveries and the remarkable ability to read a batsman's intent.

His journey from a local prodigy to a professional cricketer was not without its hurdles. Pumudu dedicated countless hours to honing his craft, balancing studies and the incessant demands of practice. His perseverance paid off when he made his professional debut for the Sri Lankan national team in 2007. This marked the beginning of a career punctuated by a series of noteworthy performances.

An adaptable bowler, Pumudu developed a reputation for his versatile bowling skills, capable of swinging the ball both ways and extracting surprising bounce on any surface. While predominantly a bowler, his right-hand batting also added depth to his team’s line-up, often contributing crucial runs in lower-order partnerships.

Liyanage's career is dotted with several achievements that stand testament to his skill and resilience. In a memorable series against traditional rivals India, his incisive bowling under pressure delivered crucial breakthroughs, leading Sri Lanka to a historic series victory. In a standout match in 2013, against Australia, he took a career-best six wickets for a mere 28 runs, etching his name into the annals of great individual performances.

These high-stakes matches, particularly against India and Australia, defined much of Pumudu’s career, instigating fierce rivalries that fans would eagerly anticipate. His ability to remain unflinching in pressure-cooker situations became a hallmark of his playing style.

One of his most significant contributions to cricket was his role during the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup. His skillful bowling in the final helped orchestrate a win, bringing the cup back to Sri Lanka and etching the entire team's name into the sporting history books.

Pumudu Liyanage, with his determination and talent, left an indelible mark on cricket, inspiring a generation of budding cricketers. Through every triumph and tribulation, he demonstrated not just skill, but a relentless spirit, capturing hearts and shaping the game in ways few could have imagined.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats