Janith Liyanage

Kongala Liyanage Janith Vimukthi is a right-handed batting all-rounder known for his steady rise through the ranks of Sri Lankan cricket. Educated at Lalith Athulathmudali Maha Vidyalaya and later at St. Peter’s College, Colombo, Liyanage honed his cricketing skills from a young age. He made his first-class debut for Ragama Cricket Club in January 2015, marking the beginning of a prolific domestic career.

Over the years, Liyanage has represented various domestic teams, including Badureliya Sports Club, Mannar District, Dambulla Sixers, Galle Marvels, Kandy Falcons, SLC Blues, SLC Greens, Jaffna, and the Sri Lanka A team. His consistent performances in the domestic circuit, particularly in first-class and List A matches, showcased his potential as a reliable middle-order batter and a handy medium-pace bowler.​

Liyanage's international journey began with his T20I debut against Australia in February 2022. However, it was in the One Day International format that he truly made his mark. He debuted in ODIs against Zimbabwe in January 2024, where he played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's series victory, earning the Player of the Series award. His standout performance included a match-winning 95-run innings in the second ODI, which earned him the Player of the Match accolade. ​

Continuing his impressive form, Liyanage was instrumental in Sri Lanka's ODI series against Bangladesh in March 2024. He scored a composed 67 runs in the first match and followed it up with his maiden ODI century, an unbeaten 101, in the third match, solidifying his reputation as a dependable middle-order batter.

In domestic cricket, Liyanage has been a consistent performer. In first-class cricket, he has accumulated over 3,900 runs, including six centuries and 27 half-centuries, with a top score of 140. His List A career boasts over 3,300 runs, featuring five centuries and 20 fifties, with a highest score of 130. 

Liyanage's journey from domestic cricket to the international arena is a testament to his dedication and skill. With a solid technique, temperament, and the ability to perform under pressure, he is poised to be a mainstay in Sri Lanka's batting lineup across formats.