Kumar Sangakkara smashes 166 for Surrey in Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final match
Former Sri Lankan international Kumar Sangakkara smashed 166 runs in just 138 balls for Surrey in their clash against Nottinghamshire in the Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final clash today. Coming just weeks after pulling down curtains on a 15-year long international career, Sangakkara’s knock of 166 was just three short of his highest ever List A score of 169.
Sangakkara retired from the One-Day format after the 2015 World Cup where he scored four consecutive centuries. His Test retirement didn’t go as well as planned however as he couldn’t make notable contributions in his last three Test matches that took place after the showpiece event’s conclusion.
Sangakkara though showed that he hasn’t lost his batting touch one bit as he enthralled the crowd at The Oval with his stroke-filled innings. The knock which included 13 fours and a six helped Surrey post 300/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Coming into bat at No. 3 following the early dismissal of Steven Davies, Sangakkara had a mighty scare early on as he survived a close run-out chance. He steadied the ship early on by rotating the strike forming useful partnerships with first Ben Foakes & Joe Burns before stepping up the attack in his 149-run partnership with Gary Wilson.
The social media has reacted in awe of Sangakkara’s innings which included some of his trademark shots as well as some unorthodox hits.
Surrey also posted a highlights package of Sangakkara’s delightful innings on it’s official Twitter account.