 Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara reached a great personal milestone
during his match saving innings of 130 not out in the recently concluded
third and final cricket Test against Pakistan at SSC grounds.Chasing a
victory target of 492, Sri Lanka were 155 for 3 at one stage in their
second innings - still 337 runs behind with only seven wickets in hand.
It is then that Sangakkara’s willow started talking to save Sri Lanka
from certain defeat. Sangakkara’s unbeaten century not only saved Sri
Lanka but also gave the home team an outside chance of winning and make
it s clean sweep in the three-Test series. If not for Tillakaratne
Dilshan’s injury, Sangakkara would have well steered Sri Lanka to
another win.
Sangakkara reached a rare milestone during his gallant knock of 130
n.o, which gave Pakistan bowlers a testing time. The 31-year-old lad
from the hill capital has now aggregated 7,095 runs in 83 Tests at an
impressive average of 55.42.
The left-hander did not have an outstanding domestic record to crow
about but he caught the attention of the selectors with a blistering
century for Sri Lanka ‘A’ team. His unbeaten 156 for Sri Lanka ‘A’,
against the touring Zimbabwe ‘A’ at Moratuwa earned the youngster a
place in the national side in the very next Triangular ODI series
involving South Africa and Pakistan.
He did not let down the selectors and lived up to expectations,
claiming his first Man-of-the-Match award, in only his second ODI,
scoring 85 against South Africa. His debut international series, a ODI,
was a highly productive one with an aggregate of 199 runs at 66.33. That
earned him a place in the subsequent Tests against South Africa.Born in
Matale on October 27, 1977, Sangakkara made his Test debut against South
Africa in Galle on July 20, 2000. Exactly nine years later, he entered
the 7,000-run club with a majestic century.
During his illustrious career, Sangakkara has scored 19 Test
centuries and 31 fifties with a career best knock of 287. As a wicket
keeper, he has accounted for 175 victims with 155 catches and 20
stumping.A product of Trinity College, Sangakkara also has the rare
honour of completing 7,000 runs in both forms of the game, having
already completed 7,000 runs in One Day Internationals.
Besides his achievements in Tests, Sangakkara has so far aggregated
7,408 in 246 ODIs with ten centuries and 48 fifties. Sangakkara is one
of the most accomplished players in international cricket. His exemplary
conduct, both on and off the field, has been commended by many.
The burden of captaincy has not affected his normal batting style and
he has been a sweet timer of the ball. His elegant stroke play is a
treat to watch. Sri Lanka cricket could expect greater achievements
under his able leadership.
- Dinesh |
