Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara is counted among the best wicket-keeper batsmen of all time in the world. He was a shrewd thinker and a pillar of Sri Lankan cricket for almost 15 years. He represented the island nation in over 500 international games and played his last match against India in Colombo in 2015.
On Wednesday, as the veteran stumper celebrated his 44th birthday; Here we take a look at his top five best performances against India.
138* runs in 147 balls in 2005, Jaipur
Sangakkara’s best performance in limited overs cricket against the Men in Blue came during Sri Lanka’s tour of India in 2005. Batting first, Sri Lanka set a target of 298 runs for the loss of four wickets in the third ODI, thanks to Sangakkara’s unbeaten 138 off 147 balls. His innings hit 13 fours and two sixes and despite his relentless efforts, Sri Lanka lost the match by six wickets.
110 off 127 balls in 2007, Rajkot
Sangakkara scored 110 off 127 balls with 11 fours and four sixes as Sri Lanka beat India by five runs in the Rajkot ODI in 2007. Sangakkara was also adjudged the player of the match for his performance.
128 runs in 155 balls in 2008, Adelaide
India beat Sri Lanka by two wickets in the 8th bank of the Commonwealth Bank Series. Despite Sangakkara’s brilliant 128-run knock, Sri Lanka, batting first, scored just 238 runs for the loss of six wickets, which included 12 fours. Even though Sri Lanka lost the match, Sangakkara was awarded the Player of the Match trophy for his innings.
133 off 151 balls in 2012, Hambantota
Chasing 315 for victory against India in the 2012 Hambantota ODI, Sri Lanka did not have a great start as they lost their star opener Tillakaratne Dilshan in the match. After the initial setback, Sangakkara took charge of Sri Lanka’s innings and scored 133 runs off 151 balls. However, he was not able to prop up his side across the line as Sri Lanka lost the match by 21 runs.
105 off 87 balls in 2012, Hoborte
In the 11th match of the CB series, Sangakkara scored 105 runs in 87 balls as Sri Lanka scored 320 for the loss of four wickets against India. Sangakkara’s innings hit eight fours and two sixes. However, Sangakkara’s effort went in vain as India won the match by seven wickets courtesy a Virat Kohli master class.
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