Kumar Sangakkara is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and wicketkeeper-batsman who is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. The elegant left-hander excelled across all three formats enjoying incredible success over a 12-year international career between 2000-2015. Sangakkara scored over 28,000 runs for Sri Lanka including a record 52 Test centuries and was the fastest to various other milestones. He batted with authority and textbook technique evidenced by a career Test average of nearly 58 which places him among the all-time best. As captain and wicketkeeper, Sangakkara played match-winning hands globally leading Sri Lanka with aplomb before retirement. His collection of awards, lauded leadership and batting consistency against top attacks cemented his legacy as Sri Lanka’s greatest ever batsman and indispensable icon.
Mahela Jayawardene is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and batsman regarded as one of the greatest to have played for the country. The elegant right-hander known for his exquisite timing and array of splendid strokes scored over 11,000 runs in Tests and 15,000 runs in ODIs during a glittering career between 1996-2015. Technically sound, his dazzling array of drives and flicks lit up any arena. A sharp cricketing brain also led Jayawardene towards taking over captaincy and guidance roles for Sri Lanka. As a reliable top order stalwart armed with a penchant for big knocks, Jayawardene served as the linchpin of the Lankan batting lineup for nearly two decades before retiring as a modern day legend for his country with cricket flowing through his veins.
Two Sri Lankan run-machine maestros Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene cultivated careers stuffed with a glut of runs, records and titles that warrant close statistical analysis. Sangakkara the southpaw batsman-keeper supreme blended textbook technique with elegant strokeplay; meanwhile the wristy Jayawardene produced poetry in motion shuffling across the crease. Sangakkara's astronomical numbers represent unprecedented consistency; Jayawardene himself compiled monumental individual totals as partnerships blossomed. Yet for all their stylistic divergences, together they encapsulated the engine room that powered Sri Lanka's ascent into the big league.
Kumar Sangakkara Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
Test
134
233
16
12400
319
57.14
22882
54.19
38
52
1491
51
ODI
404
380
41
14234
169
41.99
18049
78.86
25
93
1385
88
T20i
56
53
9
1382
78
31.41
1156
119.55
0
8
139
20
IPL
71
68
3
1687
94
25.95
1392
121.19
0
10
195
27
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
134
4
84
49
0
0/4
0.0
3.5
0.0
0
0
ODI
404
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
T20i
56
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
IPL
71
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Mahela Jayawardene Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
Test
149
252
15
11814
374
49.85
22959
51.46
34
50
1387
61
T20i
55
55
8
1493
100
31.77
1121
133.18
1
9
173
33
IPL
80
78
15
1802
110
28.6
1462
123.26
1
10
200
39
ODI
448
418
39
12650
144
33.38
16019
78.97
19
77
1119
76
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
149
22
589
310
6
2/32
51.67
3.16
98.17
0
0
ODI
448
28
593
563
8
2/56
70.38
5.7
74.12
0
0
T20i
55
1
6
8
0
0/8
0.0
8.0
0.0
0
0
IPL
80
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
The Stats Battle between Kumar vs Mahela
Their soaring run tallies stacked up indicate giants of the modern game who carried Sri Lanka's batting fortunes on their able shoulders while taking them to great heights through an era dominated by their prolific run-coring pedigree.
Kumar Sangakkara Vs Mahela Jayawardene: Career Statistics Comparison
Kumar Sangakkara Vs Mahela Jayawardene: Cricket Career Statistics Comparison – Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene as batting masters assisted Sri Lanka’s ascent through skill and strategy steering their team.
Their statistical records across formats are examined to appreciate two accomplished athletes rather than compare greatness between eras.
The focus is their excellence catalyzing cricket’s global growth by showcasing how self-belief inspires possibility when unfettered. Together they chronicle the sport’s evolution where prowess and elegance conquer challenges.
Article Highlights
Hide
Both Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had successful domestic careers before making their debut in the national team.
Sangakkara achieved significant milestones in his batting career, including surpassing the 10,000-run mark in Tests and setting records for most dismissals as a wicketkeeper.
Jayawardene joined the elite 10,000-run club in Tests and recorded a personal best of 374 in a single Test innings.
Both players had successful captaincy stints, with Sangakkara leading Sri Lanka in 15 Tests and 45 ODIs, while Jayawardene captained the team in 38 Tests and 129 ODIs.
For purists, these distinguished careers spotlight utilization of talent to succeed and transform teams. Analyzed together, Sangakkara and Jayawardene tell an inspirational story – of consistency and conviction propelling innovation that allowed individuals and a nation to transcend perceived restrictions.
Early Career Breakdown: Kumar Sangakkara Vs Mahela Jayawardene
Kumar Sangakkara’s early career burgeoned following his debut in 2000, while Mahela Jayawardene’s formative years in international cricket commenced slightly earlier in 1997, marking the onset of their respective journeys to cricketing eminence.
Sangakkara’s junior debut was characterized by technical prowess and strategic acumen, swiftly translating into significant domestic performances.
His entry into the national team was a result of consistent high-grade outputs in the domestic circuit, where he honed his skills behind the stumps and with the bat.
Quinton de Kock Vs Jonny Bairstow: Statistics Comparison
Quinton de Kock Vs Jonny Bairstow: Cricket Career Statistics Comparison – Quinton de Kock and ...
Read More
Jayawardene, on the other hand, made his presence felt in the domestic arena with a style marked by elegance and patience, laying the groundwork for what would be an illustrious international career.
His junior debuts painted the portrait of a batsman destined for greatness, and his domestic performances only bolstered that image, featuring a blend of classical stroke play and resilience.
Both players ascended through the ranks, their domestic cricket tenures establishing a bedrock for international success. Data from their early professional years reflect a steady climb, marked by a series of performances that showcased their potential to become stalwarts for Sri Lanka.
Their individual paths, though distinct, were united by a shared resolve to elevate their nation’s cricketing status, with each milestone at the domestic level signaling their readiness for the global stage.
Batting Accomplishments
Transitioning from their impressive early careers, both Sangakkara and Jayawardene distinguished themselves with remarkable batting accomplishments on the international stage.
Their careers were marked by a plethora of records and milestones that not only highlight their individual prowess but also their ability to collaborate effectively, setting partnership records that have etched their names in cricketing lore.
Kumar Sangakkara
Test Milestones: Surpassed the coveted 10,000-run mark in Tests, achieving an average that often flirted with the high 50s.
Century Count: Notched up 38 centuries in Test cricket, a testament to his consistency and endurance at the crease.
Wicketkeeping Records: As a wicketkeeper-batsman, set records for the most dismissals in Tests.
Mahela Jayawardene:
Test Milestones: Joined the elite 10,000-run club in Tests with an average that consistently hovered around the 50-mark.
High Scores: Recorded a personal best of 374 in a single Test innings, showcasing his capacity for monumental individual scores.
Partnership Records: Formed part of a record-breaking 624-run stand in Tests, demonstrating his synergy with fellow batsmen.
These achievements underscore their status as titans of the game, with their careers serving as an embodiment of cricketing excellence and a beacon for aspirants seeking liberation from the mediocrity of everyday performances.
Captaining the Team: Kumar Sangakkara Vs Mahela Jayawardene
Leadership roles were pivotal in the careers of both Sangakkara and Jayawardene, with each cricketer taking on the mantle of captaincy for the Sri Lankan national team during their tenure.
Kumar Sangakkara’s leadership style was characterized by his calm demeanor and astute tactical acumen, which guided Sri Lanka through many challenging encounters.
During his captaincy, Sangakkara led Sri Lanka in 15 Tests, winning 5 and losing 3, while in ODIs, he captained 45 matches and secured 27 victories. His strategic decisions were often commended for their forward-thinking approach.
Mahela Jayawardene, on the other hand, captained Sri Lanka in 38 Tests, achieving 18 wins and 12 losses, and his ODI captaincy record includes 129 matches with 71 wins.
Jayawardene’s leadership style was marked by aggressive strategies and an inspirational approach that motivated his team. He was renowned for setting innovative fields and for his ability to outthink the opposition.
Both players’ captaincy records reflect their commitment to leading from the front and their strategic insights into the game. As captains, their contributions extended beyond mere statistics, setting a benchmark for leadership in cricket.
Transitioning from their leadership roles, both Sangakkara and Jayawardene also left an indelible mark in the fielding and wicketkeeping departments.
Fielding and Wicketkeeping
In the realm of fielding and wicketkeeping, both Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene exhibited exemplary skills. Sangakkara also served as a world-class wicketkeeper for the Sri Lankan team. Their on-field agility and strategic placements have set standards for future generations.
Kumar Sangakkara
Wicketkeeping:
Notable for his sharp reflexes behind the stumps.
Impressive stumping records, contributing significantly to dismissals in all formats.
Reliable glovesman, with a high number of catches in his career.
Fielding:
Despite his wicketkeeping role, effective in the outfield when required.
Mahela Jayawardene
Fielding:
Renowned for his athletic catches and acrobatic fielding efforts.
Occupied pivotal fielding positions, especially in the slips and at the point.
Consistently high catch rate, demonstrating keen anticipation and reflexes.
Both players have been instrumental in turning the course of numerous matches through their defensive prowess. Sangakkara, with his dual role, has a broader set of statistics due to his wicketkeeping responsibilities, while Jayawardene’s fielding finesse has been nothing short of inspirational.
Their dedication to fielding excellence is a testament to their commitment to the sport and to their team’s success.
Impact on International Cricket
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene’s contributions to international cricket extend beyond their defensive prowess, shaping the strategic and competitive spirit of the Sri Lankan team on a global stage.
Their impact on team dynamics is evidenced through the numbers and records, which speak to their central roles in many of Sri Lanka’s cricketing triumphs.
Sangakkara’s leadership style, characterized by his calm demeanor and astute cricketing brain, translated into guiding the team through challenging transitions, notably captaining during the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
Jayawardene, with his proactive and tactical acumen, complemented this approach when leading the team, bringing a sense of aggressive strategy to the fore.
Both players’ abilities to step up in pivotal moments have significantly influenced the outcomes of numerous matches. They’ve instilled resilience and a winning mindset within the squad, empowering younger players to elevate their game to international standards.
Their partnership in the middle order was often the backbone of the team’s batting lineup, providing stability and enabling Sri Lanka to compete against the strongest teams in the world.
Through their individual achievements and combined synergy, Sangakkara and Jayawardene have left an indelible mark on international cricket, embodying the essence of leadership and team unity.
What’s Your Take on Kumar Sangakkara Vs Mahela Jayawardene Stats Comparison?
In summary, both Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have made indelible marks on the sport of cricket. Their careers are characterized by exceptional individual statistics and significant contributions to their team’s successes.
Their head-to-head comparison reveals a tapestry of complementary strengths across batting, leadership, and fielding disciplines. Sangakkara and Jayawardene have both excelled as batsmen, consistently performing at a high level and amassing impressive career totals.
They have also displayed exemplary leadership skills, taking charge of their respective teams and guiding them to numerous victories.
In addition to their batting prowess, Sangakkara and Jayawardene have made significant contributions in the field. They have been agile and reliable fielders, taking remarkable catches and effecting crucial run-outs.
However, their impact goes beyond just numbers and statistics. Sangakkara and Jayawardene have fostered a legacy that shaped the evolution of international cricket.
They have inspired future generations of cricketers in Sri Lanka and beyond, serving as role models with their dedication, professionalism, and passion for the game.
Overall, Sangakkara and Jayawardene have left an enduring legacy in the world of cricket. Their exceptional skills, leadership, and impact on the sport will be remembered for years to come.