Personal Information

Full Name
Kenaththage Nipun Dhananjaya Perera
Education
St. Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa
Age
24 years
Batting Style
Left Hand Bat
Bowling Style
Right Arm Offbreak
Playing Role
Batter

Teams

Colombo Strikers

Sri Lanka

Sinhalese Sports Club

Sri Lanka

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Jaffna Kings

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Team A

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Under-19s

Sri Lanka

Career Stats

Batting

FormatMatInnsNORunsHSAveBFSR100504s6sCtSt
FC54824305720139.19513859.49716287451-
List A535291781127*41.41229677.564111661118-
T20s2422244680*22.30379117.67-130168-

Bowling

FormatMatInnsBallsRunsWktsBBIAveEconSR5W10W
FC54411171623193/1332.783.1961.60--
List A5315429309164/2919.314.3226.80--
T20s242362822/914.004.6618.00--

Recent Matches

MatchDateVenueFormatTossBatBowlFieldResultSeries
SL-EP vs WIA
2025-06-26
North Sound
North Sound
ODIWon (Bat)
5
--Lost
Academy won by 7 wickets (with 155 balls remaining)
Sri Lanka Emerging Players in West Indies
2025
SL-EP vs WIA
2025-06-24
North Sound
North Sound
ODIWon (Bowl)
10
--Lost
Academy won by 19 runs
Sri Lanka Emerging Players in West Indies
2025
SL-EP vs WIA
2025-06-21
North Sound
North Sound
ODILost (Bat)
88
--Won
SL EME won by 5 wickets (with 62 balls remaining)
Sri Lanka Emerging Players in West Indies
2025
SL-EP vs WIA
2025-06-07
Coolidge
Coolidge
TESTLost (Bowl)
0 & 0
--Won
SL EME won by 75 runs
Sri Lanka Emerging Players in West Indies
2025
GALLE vs DAM
2025-04-27
Colombo (SSC)
Colombo
TESTLost (Bowl)
4 & 22
---
Match drawn (Galle won on 1st innings)
National Super League 4-Day Tournament
2024/25
GALLE vs COL
2025-04-20
Dambulla
Dambulla
TESTLost (Bowl)
8 & 73*
0/6
--
Match drawn
National Super League 4-Day Tournament
2024/25
GALLE vs JAF
2025-04-03
Hambantota
Hambantota
TESTWon (Bowl)
14
---
Match drawn
National Super League 4-Day Tournament
2024/25
GALLE vs DAM
2025-03-20
Galle
Galle
TESTWon (Bat)
14 & 27
--Won
Galle won by 145 runs
National Super League 4-Day Tournament
2024/25
GALLE vs KAN
2025-03-13
Hambantota
Hambantota
TESTWon (Bat)
137 & 63
---
Match drawn
National Super League 4-Day Tournament
2024/25
SSC vs NCC
2025-02-14
Colombo (NCC)
Colombo
TESTWon (Bowl)
10
3/19 & 2/67
--
Match drawn
Major League Tournament
2024/25

Debut/Last Matches

First-class
Debut
2018-12-14
Colts Cricket Club v Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo (SSC)
Last
2025-06-07
Sri Lanka Emerging Players v West Indies Academy, Coolidge
List A
Debut
2021-03-24
Sinhalese Sports Club v Police Sports Club, Colombo (SSC)
Last
2025-06-26
Sri Lanka Emerging Players v West Indies Academy, North Sound
Twenty20
Debut
2019-02-19
Sinhalese Sports Club v Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Colombo (Thurstan)
Last
2024-07-18
Colombo Strikers v Kandy Falcons, Colombo (RPS)

About

In the vibrant tapestry of cricket, few players shine as brightly as Nipun Dhananjaya, also known as Kenaththage Nipun Dhananjaya Perera. With his deft skills and captivating performances, Dhananjaya has carved a niche for himself in the world of cricket, captivating fans and critics alike. As we delve into his journey, achievements, and impact on the sport, we uncover not just a player but a burgeoning legend of Sri Lankan cricket.

The Early Days: A Cricketer in the Making

Nipun Dhananjaya was born on March 20, 1993, in the picturesque town of Galle, Sri Lanka. Growing up in a cricket-loving nation, it was almost inevitable that he would be drawn to the game. From a young age, Dhananjaya displayed a flair for batting, showcasing his talent during local matches and school tournaments. His early experiences were marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, often practicing for hours, driven by a dream to don the national colors.

Education and Training

While cricket was his passion, Dhananjaya balanced his education with rigorous training. He attended St. Joseph's College, a prestigious institution known for producing talented cricketers. Under the guidance of seasoned coaches, he honed his skills and developed a solid foundation in batting techniques. This dual focus on academics and cricket prepared him for the challenges ahead, setting the stage for a promising career.

Professional Debut and Rise to Fame

Dhananjaya's professional journey began when he made his debut for the Sri Lanka Under-19 team in 2012. His performances caught the eye of selectors, and soon he was representing his country at various levels. However, it was his domestic career that truly showcased his potential. Playing for teams like Ragama Cricket Club and Galle Gladiators, he consistently delivered impressive performances, making him a household name among cricket enthusiasts.

International Recognition

In 2021, Dhananjaya's hard work paid off when he received his maiden call-up to the national squad. His debut match was nothing short of spectacular, as he quickly made an impact with his aggressive batting style and strategic gameplay. His ability to perform under pressure and contribute in crucial moments solidified his position in the team. The cricketing world began to take notice, and fans eagerly anticipated his next move.

The Playing Style: A Blend of Technique and Flair

Nipun Dhananjaya is celebrated not just for his statistics but for his unique playing style. He possesses a rare blend of traditional technique and modern flair, making him a versatile player capable of adapting to various formats of the game. His footwork is impeccable, allowing him to play both spin and pace with equal ease. Dhananjaya's aggressive batting approach, coupled with his ability to anchor innings, makes him a valuable asset to the team.

  • Power Hitting: Dhananjaya is known for his ability to clear the boundary with ease, often turning games in favor of his team.
  • Strategic Mind: His understanding of the game allows him to make quick decisions, whether in batting or fielding.
  • Fielding Prowess: An agile fielder, Dhananjaya contributes significantly, often turning potential boundaries into wickets.

Achievements and Milestones

Throughout his career, Nipun Dhananjaya has achieved numerous milestones that reflect his growth as a player. Some of the standout moments include:

  1. Scoring his maiden ODI century against Bangladesh in 2022, which marked a significant achievement in his career.
  2. Being named the Player of the Match in several key fixtures, showcasing his ability to perform consistently.
  3. Contributing to Sri Lanka's success in international tournaments, demonstrating his value on the world stage.

Future Prospects: A Bright Horizon

As Dhananjaya continues to evolve as a cricketer, the future looks exceptionally bright. His work ethic, combined with the support of his teammates and coaches, positions him as a key player for Sri Lanka in upcoming international fixtures. Fans eagerly await his contributions in major tournaments, hoping to witness more extraordinary moments that will etch his name in the annals of cricket history.

Community Engagement and Inspiration

Off the field, Nipun Dhananjaya is also known for his contributions to the community. He actively participates in initiatives that promote cricket among the youth, inspiring the next generation of cricketers. His story serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging aspiring players to pursue their dreams relentlessly. Through coaching clinics and mentorship programs, he aims to give back to the sport that has given him so much.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Nipun Dhananjaya

Nipun Dhananjaya is more than just a cricketer; he embodies the spirit of resilience, passion, and dedication. As he continues to make waves in the cricketing world, his journey serves as a reminder that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed come true. Fans and cricket aficionados are left with one question: what will be the next chapter in the remarkable story of Nipun Dhananjaya? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain—this rising star is here to stay.