This Day That Year: Sri Lankan legends create a massive record in Test matches
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayewardene were at their best
as they registered the highest ever partnership for any wicket in Test matches
against South Africa played at SSC, Colombo on 29th July 2006.
South African stand-in captain Ashwell Prince won the toss
and decided to bat first. It was a disappointing batting performance by the
visitors as they were bowled out for 169 on the first day.
In reply, Sri Lanka lost 2 early wickets of Sanath
Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga to leave the hosts in trouble at 14 for 2. Sangakkara
and Jayewardene played with positive intent putting pressure on the South African
bowling line up. Kumar completed his fifty in quick time off 56 balls while Jayewardene
took 72 balls to reach his half-century. At the end of day 1, Sri Lanka scored
128 for 2 with both players not out.
The 2nd day saw both batsmen played with positive
intent and looked in sublime touch. Sangakkara completed his century off 116
balls while Jayewardene made the batting look easy. At lunch, Sri Lanka made
227 for 2. After the lunch break, Mahela completed his century off 162 balls.
Both players showed their class and put the visitors under immense pressure. Sri
Lanka took command of the situation to reach 320 for 2 at tea.
South Africa took the 2nd new ball immediately to
make a breakthrough. Sangakkara completed his 150 off 224 balls while Jayewardene
reached his milestone off 260 balls. It was an amazing batting display by both
Sri Lankan legends who looked in no mood to relent. The stylish left-handed batsman
Sangakkara completed his double century off 272 balls while Jayewardene too
completed his double off 324 balls. Sri Lanka ended the 3rd day in a
commanding position at 485 for 2.
Jayewardene took advantage of a tiring bowling attack and
completed his 250 off 402 balls. On the other hand, Sangakkara showed his class
to reach his 250 off 372 balls. Both batsmen took Sri Lanka to 584 for 2 at
lunch.
After the lunch break, Jayewardene took the attack to South
African bowling to complete his triple century off 491 balls. Sangakkara looked
good for a 300 but was dismissed for a superb 287 off 457 balls. Jayewardene and
Sangakkara added 624 runs for the 3rd wicket. Sri Lankan captain Jayewardene
led from the front to remain not out on 387 off 572 balls. The hosts declared
their innings on a massive total of 756 for 5. It is the highest partnership in
Test cricket for any wicket.
South Africa batted with more solidity in the 2nd
innings to post 434. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka won the match by an
innings and 153 runs. For his 387*, Jayewardene was awarded the man of the
match.
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayewardene were great servants
of Sri Lankan cricket. The stylish left-handed batsman Sangakkara made his Test
debut against South Africa at Galle on 20th July 2000.
He played a total of 134 matches (233 innings) and scored staggering
12400 runs with 38 centuries, 11 double and 52 half-centuries. His career-best score was 319. Sangakkara finished his Test career against India at PSS from 20th
August 2015.
Jayewardene made his Test debut against India on 2nd
August 1997. He played a total of 149 matches ( 252 innings) and scored 11814
runs with 34 centuries, 7 double centuries and 50 half-centuries. His best
score was 387*. Jayewardene finished his Test career against India at P Sara on
20th August 2015.
Sri Lankan legends are a part of the leading runs scorer in
Test matches. Both players created a lot of memorable partnerships that made
Sri Lanka win many register wins.
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