Suranga Lakmal, born on March 10, 1987, is a professional cricketer from Sri Lanka known for his exceptional skills as a right-arm fast bowler. Standing tall at an imposing height, Lakmal has mastered the art of extracting bounce and swing, making him a formidable force on the cricket field. Renowned for his longevity and success as a fast bowler, he currently ranks second on Sri Lanka’s all-time Test wicket-takers’ list, sitting just below the legendary Chaminda Vaas.
Lakmal’s journey to international cricket began with impressive performances for Sri Lanka A, which caught the attention of the national selectors. In 2010, he earned his maiden call-up to the national side, marking the beginning of a promising career. The following year, he showcased his talent and potential by taking eight wickets across three Tests against Australia at home, leaving a lasting impact on the cricketing fraternity.
What sets Lakmal apart from his contemporaries is his ability to excel in overseas conditions. His numbers reflect a remarkable difference between his averages at home and away, demonstrating his adaptability to various pitches around the world. In the series against Pakistan in the UAE in 2014, Lakmal impressed with 12 wickets in just three Tests. He continued his fine form by taking six wickets in his next Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram, further solidifying his reputation as an overseas overachiever.
In December 2016, Lakmal achieved his first five-wicket haul against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Despite Sri Lanka’s loss in that series, he stood out by claiming a total of 12 wickets in two Tests. The trend of exceptional performances continued in the years that followed. Lakmal grabbed seven wickets in Kolkata in 2017, five in Bridgetown later that year, and five each in consecutive matches in Christchurch and Brisbane in 2018-19. He also wreaked havoc in North Sound in 2021, taking 11 wickets in just two Tests.
While Lakmal’s prowess in Tests shines brightly, his journey in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has been more intermittent. Making his ODI debut in 2009, he missed out on the subsequent World Cup and faced challenges in cementing his place in the limited-overs format. Despite sporadic appearances, he remained a consistent performer in Test cricket, continuing to be an integral part of Sri Lanka’s formidable pace attack.
As a testament to his unwavering commitment and contribution to Sri Lankan cricket, Lakmal has enjoyed a successful career thus far. His ability to extract bounce and swing, combined with his consistency to deliver match-winning performances overseas, has won him the respect and admiration of cricket fans worldwide. With his unwavering dedication and hunger for success, Suranga Lakmal continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of cricket.
