Kumara Lakmal

Kumara Lakmal, born on 14 May 1982, emerged from the vibrant cricketing circuits of Colombo, Sri Lanka, where his fascination with the game was kindled on sun-baked school grounds. His effortless lobbing of tennis balls made even seasoned coaches take note, and soon, his journey from street cricketer to professional was underway. Known for his exceptional right-hand batting and versatile bowling, Lakmal’s budding talent landed him a spot in the local district teams, catching the eye of selectors with each calculated delivery.

Lakmal stormed into the professional arena amid wide speculation and excitement, debuting for the Sri Lankan national team in a one-day international against a formidable Australian side. From the outset, his bowling created a buzz; with the ability to swing the ball both ways, he left even the most seasoned batsmen perplexed. As a right-hander, his ability to subtly change pace energised his team's strategy in clutch moments.

Throughout his career, Lakmal was instrumental in several key victories for Sri Lanka, securing his first major triumph at the Asia Cup where his tight bowling in the final over helped in clinching a remarkable victory over Pakistan. His exceptional performance in the series against India where he bagged a five-wicket haul remains one of his career highlights, a testament to his control and strategic prowess on the field.

Rivalries with neighbouring cricketing nations were a staple in Lakmal’s career. His spirited contests against Indian and Bangladeshi batsmen, particularly with India's opening order, have enshrined his name in numerous nail-biting clashes etched forever in fans' memories. Lakmal’s presence on the pitch often spelled doom for opponents, as he channelled his aggression with precision, adapting his bowling to suit varying conditions.

Not just a bowling maestro, Kumara’s batting, while less heralded, occasionally turned tides for Sri Lanka. His lower-order batting cameo against England in a test match gave Sri Lanka a fighting chance, turning a potential loss into a renowned victory in the summer of 2012. His ability to hold the line under pressure redefined the role bowlers could play in batting lineups, inspiring a generation to broaden their skills.

Lakmal’s career, defined by grit and an uncanny ability to outmanoeuvre opponents, remains a golden chapter in the tapestry of Sri Lankan cricket. His legacy is sculpted not only in records and statistics but in the inspiration he provided young cricketers aspiring to tread the same path.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats