Imal Liyanage

Born on the 22nd of April, 1994, Imal Liyanage's affinity for cricket began in the bustling streets of Colombo, where as a child, he spent countless hours emulating the heroes he watched on television. Enrolled in a local cricket academy by the age of ten, it quickly became apparent that Imal had a special knack for the sport. His early days were characterised by unwavering dedication and an insatiable appetite for mastering the art of wicketkeeping.

By his teenage years, Imal had established himself as a formidable presence behind the stumps, earning a spot in the prestigious national youth team. His relentless pursuit of excellence saw him make his professional debut at the age of twenty, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. His graceful yet gritty left-handed batting style soon became his trademark, alongside an unblemished record for acrobatic catches and lightning-fast stumpings.

Imal's career is dotted with numerous achievements and unforgettable moments. He played a pivotal role in securing a historic Series victory against a longstanding rival, his crucial knock in the fifth game forever etched in the annals of cricket history. Many remember the final ball – a tense standoff against his greatest adversary, where Imal’s adept leg-side flick over fine leg for the winning boundary left both fans and critics in awe.

Yet, Imal’s talents were not confined to one discipline. His versatile bowling added another layer to his game's fibre, making him an invaluable asset across multiple formats. Whether swinging the ball with finesse or unleashing calculated orthodox spin, his adaptability often left opponents guessing and his captain counting on him as the quintessential utility player.

Throughout his career, Imal was part of several championship-winning squads, carving out important victories with his skills behind the stumps and key contributions with the bat. However, it wasn't just his statistics that defined him. His tenacity, relentless passion, and sportsmanship have served as an inspiration to young cricketers aspiring to step into his shoes.

One cannot write about Imal Liyanage without mentioning his defining catch in the 2023 Cup Final – leaping to his right, as if in slow motion, to dismiss a centurion batsman – a moment that perfectly encapsulated his role as a guardian of the game. Imal’s career has provided cricket with tales of triumph, displays of sheer skill, and moments of magic that will be talked about for years to come.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats