Nuwan Kulasekara is a former Sri Lankan fast‑medium bowler, widely regarded for his ability to swing the ball both ways. He was a key figure in Sri Lanka’s limited‑overs sides during the 2000s and 2010s, especially in white‑ball cricket.
Personal & Career Overview
- Full Name: Nuwan Kulasekara Mudiyanselage
- Born: 22 July 1982, Nittambuwa, Sri Lanka
- Batting Style: Right‑handed
- Bowling Style: Right‑arm fast‑medium
- Role: Bowler / lower‑order batsman
- International Span: 2003–2017
Career Highlights
- ODI Debut: 18 March 2003 vs England (Dambulla).
- Test Debut: 21 April 2005 vs New Zealand (Napier).
- T20I Debut: 15 June 2006 vs England (Southampton).
- Rose to the ICC No. 1 ODI bowler ranking in 2009.
- Played in the 2007, 2011, and 2015 World Cups.
- Key contributor in Sri Lanka’s 2014 ICC World T20 victory.
- Known for his deadly new‑ball swing and slower‑ball variations at the death.
Nuwan Kulasekara Statistics
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Bowl Avg | Best Bowling | Runs | Bat Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 21 | 48 | 37.37 | 4/70 | 376 | 13.92 |
| ODIs | 184 | 199 | 32.90 | 5/22 | 1,019 | 13.92 |
| T20Is | 58 | 66 | 27.93 | 4/19 | 299 | 11.07 |
Style & Legacy
- Bowling Strengths: Seam and swing with the new ball; clever slower deliveries in death overs.
- Batting: Handy lower‑order hitter, often contributing quick runs.
- Legacy: Remembered as one of Sri Lanka’s most reliable ODI bowlers, especially in partnerships with Lasith Malinga. His consistency and adaptability made him a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s white‑ball success.
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