In the annals of Test cricket, Sri Lanka’s batsmen have etched their names in history with their exceptional batting displays. Over the years, they have produced unforgettable moments, resulting in towering team totals that have left a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
Sri Lanka’s highest team totals in Test cricket symbolize their batting brilliance and ability to dominate their opponents. From the record-breaking 952/6 declared against India to the remarkable innings against India, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka’s batsmen have left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.
Led by the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, and Aravinda de Silva, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup has displayed skill, resilience, and the ability to score big runs. These outstanding innings have not only secured victories but have also elevated Sri Lanka’s cricketing stature on the global stage.
As Sri Lanka continues its journey in Test cricket, fans eagerly anticipate new records being set and memorable innings being played. The legacy of these highest team totals serves as a reminder of Sri Lanka’s rich cricketing heritage and the potential for even greater accomplishments in the future.
In this article, we will explore the five highest team totals achieved by Sri Lanka in Test cricket, highlighting their batting prowess and the remarkable matches that contributed to these monumental innings.
5. 713/3d vs Zimbabwe:
- Venue: Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
- Overs: 165.3
- Year: 2004
The journey begins with Sri Lanka’s encounter against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2004. The Sri Lankan batsmen showcased their class, posting an imposing total of 713 runs for the loss of three wickets. Marvan Atapattu played a memorable innings, scoring an unbeaten double century (249), while Kumar Sangakkara (270) and Mahela Jayawardene (100*) also made significant contributions. This dominant display of batting set the stage for a resounding victory.
4. 730/6 declared against Bangladesh, Mirpur, 2014:
- Venue: Mirpur, Bangladesh
- Overs: 187.5
- Year: 2014
In a Test match against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2014, Sri Lanka delivered a batting masterclass, amassing a colossal total of 730 runs for the loss of six wickets. The heroes of the innings were Mahela Jayawardene (203*), Kaushal Silva (139), and Kithuruwan Vithanage (103*). Their remarkable partnership and skillful stroke play demoralised the Bangladeshi bowlers. Sri Lanka’s mammoth total played a pivotal role in securing a convincing victory in the match.
3. 756/5d vs South Africa:
- Venue: Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka
- Overs: 185.1
- Year: 2006
The Sri Lankan batsmen created a spectacle in the Test match against South Africa in Colombo in 2006. They piled up an imposing total of 756 runs for the loss of five wickets, showcasing their dominance with the bat. Kumar Sangakkara played a magnificent innings of 287, while Mahela Jayawardene contributed an elegant triple century (374). The duo’s partnership formed the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s massive score, leaving the South African bowlers in despair.
2. 760/7d vs India:
- Venue: Ahmedabad, India
- Overs: 202.4
- Year: 2009
In a memorable Test match against India in Ahmedabad in 2009, Sri Lanka showcased their batting prowess by posting an imposing total of 760 runs for the loss of seven wickets. Mahela Jayawardene, one of Sri Lanka’s batting stalwarts, led the charge with a majestic double century (275). He was ably supported by Prasanna Jayawardene (154) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (112). This batting extravaganza paved the way for a draw in the match and left an indelible mark on Sri Lanka’s cricketing legacy.
1. 952/6d vs India:
- Venue: Colombo (RPS), Sri Lanka
- Overs: 271.0
- Year: 1997
The pinnacle of Sri Lanka’s batting achievements came in 1997 against India in Colombo. In this historic Test match, Sri Lanka amassed an unparalleled total of 952 runs for the loss of six wickets. The record-breaking partnership between Sanath Jayasuriya (340) and Roshan Mahanama (225) set the tone for this incredible innings. Aravinda de Silva’s elegant century (126) further solidified Sri Lanka’s dominance. This extraordinary team total remains the highest in the history of Test cricket.
