Rising Sri Lanka? A Look at the T20I Batting Progress Over the Last Two Years
Sri Lanka’s T20I team continues to show signs of resurgence, with improving strike rates and evolving batting depth. The last two years have seen a blend of stability at the top, experimentation in the middle order, and growing adaptability in different conditions.
Despite still sitting at No. 8 in the ICC T20I rankings, Sri Lanka’s recent numbers suggest the gap is narrowing — particularly with their performance away from home.
🔥 Nissanka & Perera Setting the Standard
Two key performers have emerged as the pillars of Sri Lanka’s batting order — Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera.
-
P. Nissanka: 621 runs in 16 innings | Avg 38.81 | SR 145.09
-
K. Perera: 375 runs in 15 innings | Avg 26.78 | SR 142.58
Both have developed a reliable opening partnership, delivering quick starts and stabilizing the innings when needed. Their combination of aggression and temperament has also helped them climb the T20I player rankings, providing much-needed consistency at the top.
⚡ Middle Order: Flashes of Brilliance, Room for More
Players like Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka have shown glimpses of their potential but are still searching for rhythm across formats.
Sri Lanka’s overall team strike rate (around 126+) remains below the modern benchmark of 140+, indicating room for more intent and finishing power — especially in the death overs. Go for more details on this :https://crickbash.com/cricket-news/strike-make-hype
🌍 Stronger Away from Home
Interestingly, Sri Lanka’s batters have been far more aggressive and confident in away conditions, showing adaptability on faster, seam-friendly tracks.
| Player | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MDKJ Perera | 10 | 1 | 325 | 101 | 36.11 | 157.76 |
| P Nissanka | 11 | 0 | 430 | 107 | 39.09 | 154.12 |
| PBB Rajapaksa | 2 | 1 | 14 | 8 | 14.00 | 140.00 |
| PHKD Mendis | 8 | 2 | 128 | 50 | 21.33 | 136.17 |
| MD Shanaka | 6 | 2 | 106 | 64* | 26.50 | 134.17 |
| K Mishara | 5 | 2 | 148 | 73* | 49.33 | 127.58 |
| BKG Mendis | 11 | 1 | 258 | 74* | 25.80 | 126.47 |
| KIC Asalanka | 10 | 1 | 161 | 46 | 17.88 | 125.78 |
| PW Hasaranga | 4 | 0 | 23 | 15 | 5.75 | 121.05 |
| Average SR | 135.9 |
➡️ Average Strike Rate (Away): 135.9
This shows a noticeable improvement compared to the previous year’s overall average of around 126 — a positive sign that Sri Lanka’s approach abroad is becoming more fearless and results-oriented.
🏠 Home Conditions: Room for More Firepower
At home, the numbers tell a slightly different story — more controlled innings but less explosive striking.
| Player | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD Shanaka | 2 | 55 | 35* | 55.00 | 134.14 |
| P Nissanka | 5 | 191 | 52 | 38.20 | 128.18 |
| PHKD Mendis | 3 | 45 | 23 | 15.00 | 125.00 |
| BKG Mendis | 5 | 89 | 73 | 17.80 | 123.61 |
| PBB Rajapaksa | 2 | 19 | 15 | 9.50 | 111.76 |
| KIC Asalanka | 5 | 51 | 35* | 17.00 | 108.51 |
| N Thushara | 2 | 1 | 1* | - | 100.00 |
| MDKJ Perera | 5 | 50 | 24 | 10.00 | 87.71 |
| PW Hasaranga | 2 | 25 | 22 | 12.50 | 83.33 |
| LD Chandimal | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4.00 | 80.00 |
| Average SR | 108.22 |
➡️ Average Strike Rate (Home): 108.2
While the average is lower, it reflects Sri Lanka’s focus on rebuilding structure and partnerships rather than all-out attack in home conditions.
📈 What the Numbers Tell Us
-
Away form improving: Players are striking at higher rates and adapting to foreign conditions better.
-
Home form needs lift: A 108 SR average suggests the need for a more aggressive brand of cricket.
-
Top order growth: Nissanka and Perera’s partnership has become a reliable foundation.
-
Middle order consistency: Still the key to turning potential into match-winning totals.
🔮 The Road Ahead
With the core group maturing and intent improving, Sri Lanka’s next challenge is sustained aggression across all venues.
If they can carry the attacking mindset from away tours into home series, breaking into the top six of T20I rankings may soon be within reach.
📊 Data Period: Between 24 Oct 2024 and 24 Oct 2025
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
