One of the best white-ball bowlers of all time, Lasith Malinga had numerous memorable moments during his playing career that fans would remember for the rest of their lives. Malinga declared his retirement from both ODI cricket after the ICC World Cup 2019. However, he preferred to play T20 cricket for a few more years. Malinga last played for Sri Lanka against the Windies in March 2020, and he announced his retirement from franchise cricket in January 2021. Finally, he declared his retirement from all forms of cricket in September 2021. Let’s take a look at Lasith Malinga's illustrious career.      

Lasith Malinga’s Background

Malinga was born on August 28, 1983, at Rathgama, Galle in Sri Lanka. He grew up in humble circumstances. In his boyhood, he used to play cricket with friends on the sand banks beside a river.

While attending Vidyaloka College in Galle, Malinga began his cricket career. Former Sri Lankan paceman Champaka Ramanayake found Malinga there. He extended an invitation to him to join the Galle Cricket Club.

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Champaka Ramanayake had a huge impact in his initial cricket career. He aided him in his development as a bowler and fostered him during his early years.

At a Glance: Lasith Malinga's Cricket Career

Lasith Malinga is considered one of the best fast bowlers in cricket history. He is known as 'Slinga Malinga.' for his unique round-arm action. Lasith Malinga made his international debut in Test cricket against Australia in 2004 and impressed the great Australian team by bagging six wickets in the match.

Malinga made his ODI debut against the UAE in the 2004 Asia Cup, and he played his maiden T20I against England in 2006.

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Despite an impressive start, Lasith Malinga retired from Test cricket in 2011 to focus on his limited-overs career. Malinga has 101 wickets in 30 Tests at an average of 33.15 before declaring his Test retirement. His best Test bowling figure was 5/50.

Lasith Malinga competed in 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019 ICC ODI World Cup, finishing runner-up in the 2007 and 2011 editions.

The 2014 T20 World Cup was Malinga's most successful tournament for Sri Lanka. He was named captain only before the competition because Dinesh Chandimal was suspended. Sri Lanka won a World Cup for the first time since the 1996 World Cup, thanks to Malinga's leadership.

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Malinga later captained Sri Lanka in a number of series and tournaments, though without much success. The right-arm pacer was named to the ICC's team of the tournament several times. He also shared the most international hat-tricks with Pakistan's Wasim Akram.

Lasith Malinga was plagued by injuries throughout his career. He had to miss numerous international matches due to a knee injury.

Lasith Malinga was a popular player among the franchises in T20 leagues around the world. He regularly featured in IPL, BBL, CPL, and BPL. He now holds the record for most wickets (170) in the Indian Premier League and the best bowling figure (6/7) in the Big Bash League.

Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

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Notable Cricket Record of Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga broke several records and set up new records particularly in white ball during his almost two decades of professional cricket career. Here are some of the notable cricket records by the coveted right-arm medium pacer.

Stats in Numbers

3. The first and only bowler in One-Day International cricket history to take three hat-tricks.

4. Lasith Malinga is the only bowler to capture four-wickets in a succession in international cricket.

6. Malinga's best T20 bowling figures (6/7) came against Perth Scorchers for Melbourne Stars in the 2012-13 Big Bash League. This is also the best bowling figure in the history of the Big Bash.

15. He holds the record for most four-wicket hauls (15) in T20s.

100. The first bowler to take 100 wickets in all three formats of international cricket.

107. Lasith Malinga finishes the Men's Twenty20 Internationals as the highest wicket-taker with 107 wickets.

152. Malinga has the most 'bowled' wickets of any player in the T20s, with 152.

170. Lasith Malinga has the most wickets in the Indian Premier League (170).

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Bottom Line

Lasith Malinga was an exceptional cricketer. Three things come to mind when fans think about Malinga; his curly hair, unorthodox bowling action, and unplayable yorker. The batters were always under pressure because of his unique bowling action. They were prone to making mistakes under pressure due to his incredible accuracy with the yorker. So, it's clear to understand how destructive he was. Lasith Malinga is arguably the greatest T20 bowler of all time and one of the top three finest bowlers in Sri Lankan cricket history. Malinga deserves praise for his contribution to cricket.