Highest ODI Runs For Sri Lanka: With Sri Lanka set to host a two-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, the ideal time to look at the batting legends who have made their mark in the island nation’s cricketing history. Though none of the current players are among the top seven for most Sri Lankan ODI runs, one name from the current generation Kusal Mendis is starting to make his mark in history.
Highest ODI Runs for Sri Lanka- List of top 7
1. Kumar Sangakkara – 13,975 ODI Runs
Career period: 2000-2015 | Matches: 397
No shock there, Kumar Sangakkara tops Sri Lanka’s list of highest ODI run-scorers. His divine timing, tactically smart shot selection, and unparalleled consistency rendered him among the greatest one-day batsmen of all time. Sangakkara’s ability to perform across continents and formats made him a pillar of Sri Lanka’s golden age.
Global Rank: 2nd-highest ODI run-scorer in the world (behind Sachin Tendulkar)
Batting Style: Elegant, calculated, and technically sound
2. Sanath Jayasuriya – 13,364 ODI Runs
Career period: 1989-2011 | Matches played: 441
Read More
Sanath Jayasuriya was referred to as the man who revolutionized opening batting in ODIs. He was Sri Lanka’s power-hitter when power-hitting was not a common practice yet. With a strike rate of 91.25, he used to destroy opposition attacks within the first 15 overs—particularly at the 1996 World Cup.
Major Contributions: Destructive opener, effective left-arm spinner, and acuter fielder
Legacy: One of the most intimidating openers of his time
3. Mahela Jayawardene – 12,381 ODI Runs
Career span: 1998-2015 | Matches: 443
The epitome of class and calmness, Mahela Jayawardene was Sri Lanka’s thinking cap at the wicket. His textbook batting and skill to rotate strike made him the perfect partner for Sangakkara and Jayasuriya as well.
Salient Trait: Unfazed under pressure, particularly in ICC tournaments
Read More
Bonus Value: Exceptional leadership on and off the field
4. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 10,290 ODI Runs
Career span: 1999-2016 | Matches: 330
Dilshan’s explosive evolution as an opener towards the end of his career added a new aspect to Sri Lankan cricket. With his strike rate of 86 and creation of the “Dilscoop,” he emerged as a contemporary-day innovator.
All-Round Impact: Impressive batter, off-spinner, and quick fielder
Peak Years: Post-2009, following elevation as opener
5. Aravinda de Silva – 9,284 ODI Runs
Career span: 1984-2003 | Matches: 308
The first Sri Lankan batting great, Aravinda de Silva was a big-match player whose innings in the 1996 World Cup final is one of the most enduring images in the history of the game.
Strike Rate: More than 80 ahead of his time
Style: Smooth and courageous with match-winning temperament
6. Marvan Atapattu – 8,529 ODI Runs
Career span: 1990-2007 | Matches: 268
Atapattu’s transition from a bunch of ducks to a consistent top-order batsman is one of determination and perseverance. Though less aggressive than his counterparts, his skill at holding up the innings proved indispensable.
Strength: Technique and temperament
Role: Consistent opener in a galaxy of stars
7. Arjuna Ranatunga – 7,456 ODI Runs
Career span: 1982-1999 | Matches: 269
A batsman beyond compare, Arjuna Ranatunga was also a change leader. At the crease, he was street-smart and effective, frequently unsettling the field with his unconventional stroke play.
Legacy: Skipper of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning side
Batting Style: Street-smart, innovative, and level-headed under pressure
Rising Star: Kusal Mendis – 4,654 ODI Runs
Career span: 2016-2025 | Matches: 146
Current Rank: 11th in Most ODI Runs for Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis is the top run scorer among the current group of Sri Lankan ODI batsman and currently 28. He isn’t in the top 7 of all time greats yet but he’s only 28 and, his career is not over. Mendis has shown that he has naturally fluid stroke play and can play successfully against, fast and slow bowling.
Strengths: Aggressive mindset and runs at a strike rate around 90.
Weaknesses: Consistency and not much help up the top of the order.
Can Kusal Mendis become an ODI great?
Yes, only on the basis he can convert his talent into performance, regularly. In a team in transition, he has the opportunity to lead by example.
ALSO READ: SL vs ZIM: Madushanka Seals Last-Over Thriller With Hat-Trick In Nail-Biting ODI
