T20 World Cup history: Top three run-getters for Sri Lanka

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is currently underway across India and Sri Lanka, running from February 7 to March 8. As one of the co-hosts, Sri Lanka enter the tournament as one of the favourites, banking on home conditions and a well-balanced, compact squad to make a strong impact in the tenth edition of the marquee event.

Sri Lanka are led by Dasun Shanaka and boast a solid mix of experience and youth. The batting unit features key players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka, while the all-round and bowling responsibilities rest on Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and Matheesha Pathirana. With conditions expected to suit their style of play, Sri Lanka will aim not only to win matches but also to maintain a healthy net run rate as the tournament progresses.

Also read: T20 World Cup History: Top 3 Highest Run-Scorers for New Zealand

Here is a look at the top three run-getters for Sri Lanka in T20 World Cup history:

Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene is widely regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers. A prolific, elegant, and supremely classy batter, Jayawardene possessed a calm yet authoritative presence at the crease. His exceptional hand-eye coordination and classical technique allowed him to score runs all around the wicket. Signature strokes such as the cover drive, wristy flicks off the pads, and deft late cuts against spin defined his batting.

Jayawardene played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaigns. He scored a memorable century during the 2010 T20 World Cup and went on to finish as the leading run-scorer in Sri Lanka’s title-winning campaign in 2014. Overall, he scored 1493 runs in 55 T20 internationals, while in T20 World Cups he amassed an impressive 1016 runs in 31 matches.

Tillakaratne Dilshan

Tillakaratne Dilshan was one of the most exciting batters Sri Lanka ever produced in white-ball cricket. He is known for his relentless aggression, strong wrists natural timing and was always looking to dominate bowlers. Defending was rarely an option, as he preferred to explore every attacking alternative.

Dilshan’s innovative stroke play was highlighted by the famous ‘Dilscoop’, which he unveiled during the 2009 T20 World Cup, leaving bowlers and experts stunned. He enjoyed a prolific 2009 season, scoring 11 hundreds across formats and winning the Player of the Series award in that year’s T20 World Cup. In his T20I career, Dilshan scored 1889 runs in 80 matches. In T20 World Cups, he accumulated 897 runs in 35 games at an average of 30.93.

Kumar Sangakkara

Kumar Sangakkara was destined for greatness from an early age. More than just a batting star, he was an elegant stroke-maker and a brilliant leader. His cut and pull shots were effortless, and with growing confidence, he became an assured front-foot player. Batting predominantly at No. 3, Sangakkara was a pillar of consistency across formats.

He also etched his name in Test history by becoming the joint-fastest batter to reach 10,000 Test runs alongside legends Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. In T20 internationals, Sangakkara scored 1382 runs in 56 matches. In T20 World Cups, he contributed 661 runs in 31 games, playing several vital innings for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2026:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Pavan Rathnayake, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Pramod Madushan

Sri Lanka schedule for T20 World Cup 2026:

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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