Thisara Perera Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats

When you think of Sri Lanka’s modern cricketing greats, names like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara often come to mind. But there’s another player who brought raw energy, explosive power, and unmatched versatility to the field — Thisara Perera. Over his decade-long career, Perera became one of Sri Lanka’s most valuable all-rounders, feared by bowlers for his hard-hitting batting and respected by batsmen for his deceptive medium pace.

Let’s take a closer look at the life and stats of Thisara Perera — the man who could turn a game on its head with just a few overs or a handful of balls.

Personal Profile: The Powerhouse from Colombo

• Full Name: Thisara Perera

• Born: April 3, 1989 (Age: 36 years)

• Birthplace: Colombo, Sri Lanka

• Height: 6 ft 1 in

• Role: Bowling All-Rounder

• Batting Style: Left-Handed

• Bowling Style: Right-arm fast-medium

• Country: Sri Lanka

Standing tall at 6’1″, Perera wasn’t just built like an athlete—he played like one. His natural strength and adaptability made him a go-to player for limited-overs cricket, especially when Sri Lanka needed late-order firepower or breakthroughs in the middle overs.

Test Career: A Short but Memorable Stint

Although Perera’s Test career was brief, his performances left a mark. In just 6 Test matches, he showcased glimpses of brilliance with both bat and ball.

Batting Stats (Tests):

• Matches: 6

• Innings: 10

• Runs: 203

• Highest Score: 75

• Average: 20.3

• Strike Rate: 73.03

• 50s: 1

Bowling Stats (Tests):

• Wickets: 11

• Balls Bowled: 954

• Best Bowling: 4/63

• Average: 59.36

• Economy: 4.11

While his red-ball journey didn’t last long, Perera’s aggressive style suited limited-overs cricket far more — where he truly found his rhythm.

ODI Career: The Game Changer in Blue and Yellow

If there’s one format where Thisara Perera truly thrived, it’s One Day Internationals (ODIs). Representing Sri Lanka in 166 ODIs, Perera became a key middle-order hitter and a reliable medium-pace bowler.

Batting Stats (ODIs):

• Matches: 166

• Runs: 2338

• Highest Score: 140

• Average: 19.98

• Strike Rate: 112.09

• 50s: 10

• 100s: 1

That lone century — a breathtaking 140 — remains one of the most entertaining innings by a Sri Lankan in modern times. When he got going, the ball disappeared to all parts of the ground.

Bowling Stats (ODIs):

• Wickets: 175

• Best Bowling: 6/44

• Average: 32.8

• Economy: 5.84

• Strike Rate: 33.71

• 5-Wicket Hauls: 4

Perera’s 6/44 against India was one for the ages, dismantling one of the strongest batting lineups in world cricket.

T20I Career: A Natural Fit for the Shortest Format

In T20 Internationals, Thisara Perera was pure entertainment. He could turn a dull match into fireworks with just a few overs of aggressive batting or sharp bowling spells.

Batting Stats (T20Is):

• Matches: 84

• Runs: 1204

• Highest Score: 61

• Average: 23.15

• Strike Rate: 151.64

• 50s: 3

A strike rate above 150 says it all. Perera was born for this format.

Bowling Stats (T20Is):

• Wickets: 51

• Best Bowling: 3/24

• Average: 33.67

• Economy: 9.35

• Strike Rate: 21.61

Whether it was the World T20 or a bilateral series, Perera always added that explosive X-factor Sri Lanka needed.

IPL Career: A Global Stage for His Explosive Talent

Perera’s talent didn’t go unnoticed by the cricketing world. He joined the Indian Premier League (IPL), where his all-round skills added excitement to multiple teams over the years.

Batting Stats (IPL):

• Matches: 37

• Runs: 422

• Highest Score: 40

• Strike Rate: 137.46

Bowling Stats (IPL):

• Wickets: 31

• Best Bowling: 3/20

• Economy: 8.73

He might not have had the most consistent IPL run, but his impact was undeniable—especially in clutch overs or when quick runs were needed down the order.

Career Timeline: Milestones That Mattered

• T20I Debut: vs Zimbabwe – May 3, 2010, Providence Stadium

• Last T20I: vs West Indies – March 7, 2021, Coolidge Cricket Ground

• Test Debut: vs England – May 26, 2011, Sophia Gardens

• Last Test: vs Pakistan – July 8, 2012, Pallekele

• ODI Debut: vs India – December 24, 2009, Eden Gardens

• Last ODI: vs West Indies – March 14, 2021, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

• IPL Debut: vs Mumbai Indians – March 25, 2010, Brabourne Stadium

• Last IPL Match: vs Punjab Kings – May 21, 2016, Visakhapatnam

What Made Thisara Perera Special?

1. Unpredictability: Perera could destroy any bowling attack on his day. His explosive cameos often changed the course of matches.

2. True All-Rounder: Unlike many modern players, Perera contributed equally with bat and ball.

3. Fearless Mindset: Whether it was bowling the death overs or facing fast bowlers, he never backed down.

4. Team Player: Coaches and captains often praised his attitude — always ready to adapt and play for the team.

5. Match Finisher: His ability to clear the ropes made him one of Sri Lanka’s most dangerous finishers.

Legacy and Impact

Thisara Perera may not have the longest list of personal records, but his impact on Sri Lankan cricket was immense. He was part of the 2014 ICC World T20-winning squad, bringing the elusive trophy home for Sri Lanka. His fiery performances often lifted the team during tough chases or critical matches.

Perera also became an inspiration for younger cricketers — proof that hard work, adaptability, and confidence could take you from Colombo’s cricket grounds to the world’s biggest stages.

Also Read : Mohammad Hafeez Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats

Summary: The Numbers Behind the Power

Final Thoughts

Thisara Perera’s career is a perfect reminder that cricket isn’t just about records — it’s about impact. Few players could ignite the crowd’s energy like him. Whether smashing sixes out of the park or taking crucial wickets at the death, Perera was the kind of player who could change a match within minutes.

Even in retirement, his influence remains strong. Young Sri Lankan cricketers still look up to him as the blueprint of a modern all-rounder — fearless, entertaining, and always ready to rise to the occasion.

FAQ: Thisara Perera Career Overview

Q1: What is Thisara Perera’s highest ODI score?
A1: His highest ODI score is 140 — a stunning innings that showcased his raw power.

Q2: How many international wickets did he take?
A2: Across all formats, Perera took over 250 international wickets, proving his worth as a true all-rounder.

Q3: Was Thisara Perera part of any World Cup-winning team?
A3: Yes, he was a key member of the Sri Lankan squad that won the ICC World T20 in 2014.

Q4: Which IPL teams did Thisara Perera play for?
A4: He played for several franchises including Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Q5: What is Thisara Perera doing after retirement?
A5: After retiring from international cricket, he’s been involved in coaching and mentoring young Sri Lankan players, passing on his experience to the next generation.