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Played on lush green fields, cricket, a game where a single delivery can change the course of a match, and a good-timed shot can ignite the crowd's intensity. Amidst this mosaic of talent, one such player who shines brightly – Sanath Teran Jayasuriya, hailing from Matara. S. Jayasuriya played for Sri Lanka.
Sanath Jayasuriya, a name that buzzes with cricket enthusiasts worldwide, is renowned for his explosive power hitting and remarkable accomplishment in the world of One Day International (ODI) cricket. This article deep dives into the extraordinary career of Sanath Jayasuriya, focusing on his world records, unforgettable moments, and his transformation that had an impact on Sri Lankan cricket.
In the archives of cricket history, the year 1996 stands out as the breakout year for Sanath Jayasuriya. Before this turning point, Jayasuriya was known as a utility player who was capable of striking the ball hard but without the consistency that would define the later part of his career. From his debut in 1989 until 1995, Jayasuriya's average in ODIs never made more than 30, and he appeared in limited Test matches.
The 1996 Cricket World Cup marked a vital moment in Sanath Jayasuriya's career and also for Sri Lanka's rise as a cricketing powerhouse. S. Jayasuriya made a revolutionary change. During the first quarter of an innings in One Day Internationals, when fielding curbs were in effect, Jayasurya was utterly destructive. He became a master in this tactic, even though others had dabbled with it before him.
Amid the 1996 World Cup, Sanath Jayasuriya carved his name in the record books. He achieved the world record for the fastest ODI century against Pakistan, reaching his century off just 48 balls. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Mohammad Azharuddin, who made a century in 62 balls to reach a century.
Sanath Jayasuriya was at his best in the final match of the Singer Cup, which was on April 7, 1996. He came out with a gust of boundaries and smashed the first over for 14 runs. Jayasuriya reached his fifty on the very first ball of the fifth over, breaking the world record for the fastest ODI fifty by only one ball. This memorable achievement meant that Sanath Jayasuriya simultaneously held the fastest ODI fifty and century records.
During Sanath Jayasuriya’s innings in the final, his mind-blowing stroke play thrilled spectators. He made 76 runs off just 28 balls, which included eight fours and five sixes. He was out at the end when he played a shot that Saeed Anwar caught off the bowling of Waqar Younis.
Due to Sanath Jayasuriya's extraordinary performance in the final, this match remains stuck in cricketing history even though Sri Lanka ultimately lost. To date, only AB de Villiers has managed to reach a fifty in ODI cricket in fewer balls.
Sanath Jayasuriya's journey of cricket from a utility player to a world record holder and game-changer is proof of his dedication and different approach to the love of Cricket. His impact on Sri Lankan cricket has been limitless, and his name will forever be associated with super amazing batting and record-breaking scores in the ODI format. Jayasuriya's legacy will continue to inspire cricketers.
FAQs
Which country did Sanath Jayasuriya play for?
Sanath Jayasuriya played for Sri Lanka, and for IPL, he played for Mumbai Indians.
Why is Sanath Jayasuriya’s name in the record book?
S. Jayasuriya played an exceptional match where he scored a century in just 48 balls, so his name is carved in the record book.
