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Dasun Shanaka (Cricketer) Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated September 29, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth9 September 1991

Age32 Years

BirthplaceNegombo, Sri Lanka

ProfessionCricketer (Batsman and Bowler)

NationalitySri Lankan

Marital statusMarried

SpouseChewanthi Perera

Dasun Shanaka (Cricketer) Biography

Madagamagamage Dasun Shanaka is a Sri Lankan all-rounder who has captained his country across white-ball formats. A right-handed batsman and right-arm seam

Early life and background

Madagamagamage Dasun Shanaka was born on 9 September 1991 in Negombo, Sri Lanka. He grew up in Negombo and attended St. Peter’s College in Colombo before completing his education at Maris Stella College in Negombo. Standing around 1.83 m (6') and weighing about 80 kg, Shanaka is known for a strong athletic build and a fitness-focused lifestyle.

Career

Shanaka emerged through Sri Lanka’s domestic system and has represented several clubs and franchise teams. At the domestic level he has been associated with Sinhalese Sports Club since 2011 and has also played for teams in various T20 leagues, including stints with Rangpur Riders, Sylhet Sixers, St Lucia Stars, Chittagong Vikings, Cumilla Warriors, Dambulla Aura, Peshawar Zalmi, Gujarat Titans and Galle Titans. He featured as the leading run-scorer for Kandy in the 2018 SLC T20 League, amassing 312 runs in six matches, and earned a national contract with Sri Lanka Cricket ahead of the 2018–19 season.

International debut and leadership

Shanaka made his international breakthrough in T20Is in 2015 and followed with Test and ODI appearances in 2016. He took on leadership responsibilities early in his international career and went on to captain Sri Lanka in T20Is and ODIs. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka recorded notable successes, including a 3–0 T20 series win over Pakistan in 2019 and multiple wins across bilateral series. He led Sri Lanka at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021 and captained the side that won the 2022 Asia Cup.

Playing style and records

A right-handed batter who also bowls right-arm medium pace, Shanaka contributes as an all-rounder. His international record through 2023 reflects contributions in all formats: in Tests he made a top score of 66 and a five-wicket haul; in ODIs he has scored centuries and produced best bowling figures of 5/43; and in T20Is he has produced match-winning knocks and useful bowling spells. Highlights include a match-winning unbeaten 108 in an ODI against India in January 2023, a T20I 74* at a particular batting position, and participation in a 100* ninth-wicket partnership in an ODI versus India in January 2023. He has also produced standout domestic performances such as a century on tour in England against Leicestershire in 2016.

Notable performances

Shanaka recorded his first ODI century with 102 against Zimbabwe in January 2022. He followed up with an unbeaten 108 against India on 10 January 2023. In T20I cricket he has played several match-defining innings, including a quick unbeaten 56 off 22 balls against India on 5 January 2023 in which he also bowled the final over to claim two wickets and earned player of the match honours.

Domestic and franchise career

Across first-class cricket he has been productive, compiling over 3,300 runs with a number of centuries and contributing with the ball, including a best return of 6/69. He has also become a regular feature in multiple T20 leagues and franchise tournaments, continuing to broaden his experience outside international fixtures.

Public profile

Shanaka’s approach as a captain has been described by him as focused on keeping players relaxed and confident rather than applying pressure. He is a fitness enthusiast who regularly trains and shares his workout routines. Off the field he enjoys travel and listening to music.

Personal life

Dasun Shanaka is married to Chewanthi Perera; the couple married on 5 September 2020 in Negombo. He has no children. His stated favourites in cricket include AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Chris Gayle among batsmen, and Wasim Akram and Dale Steyn among bowlers.

Controversy

In 2017 Shanaka was found to have breached the ICC Code of Conduct after an incident involving ball condition during a Test against India. He was sanctioned with a fine and demerit points.

Latest updates

In 2022 Shanaka led Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup title and later in January 2023 produced an unbeaten 108 in an ODI against India. He continued to be active in franchise cricket, recording another half-century in an International League T20 match versus the Mumbai Indians on 5 February 2023.
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Recent Work

Unbeaten 108 in ODI vs India

Scored an undefeated 108 for Sri Lanka in the first ODI against India on 10 January 2023.

2023
Player of the Match vs India (T20I)

Unbeaten 56 off 22 balls and two wickets in the final over to secure a 16-run victory on 5 January 2023.

2023
Asia Cup 2022 - Captain

Led Sri Lanka to the Asia Cup title in September 2022.

2022
Half-century in ILT20

Recorded his 15th career half-century in an International League T20 match vs Mumbai Indians on 5 February 2023.

2023
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Career Highlights

  1. Captained Sri Lanka in white-ball formats, including at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
  2. Led Sri Lanka to the 2022 Asia Cup title.
  3. Scored multiple international centuries, including 102 vs Zimbabwe (Jan 2022) and 108* vs India (Jan 2023).
  4. Key domestic performer: leading run-scorer for Kandy in the 2018 SLC T20 League (312 runs).
  5. Recorded five-wicket hauls in international and first-class cricket.
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Dasun Shanaka (Cricketer) born?

9 September 1991

What is Dasun Shanaka (Cricketer) known for?

Cricketer (Batsman and Bowler)

What is Dasun Shanaka (Cricketer)’s marital status?

Married

Who is Dasun Shanaka (Cricketer) married to?

Chewanthi Perera