Exactly 10 years ago, we witnessed the colossal 3rd wicket partnership between Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara that flourished at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. It was truly a classic old school batting display.
When I say ‘old school’, I categorically mean text book batting. No rash shots, no mistimed hits, and no lucky edges. Left-right hand combination never really looked beatable during their 2 day run-fest.
To this day, it stands as a record that seems untouchable for the most players in this generation.
Notable Facts
- 624 Runs were added for the 3rd wicket. This is the highest recorded partnership for any wicket.
- This was a captain & a vice-captain stand.
- Mahela Jayawardene scored a herculean 374 (572)& Kumar Sangakkara maxed 287 (457)
- The partnership bludgeoned 78 fours and a six!
- Sangakkara was at the crease for 11 hours & Mahela soldiered for 12.5 hours!
- They became the first pair to score 600+ runs in Test Cricket.
- Previous highest partnership record was held by Sanath Jayasuriya and Roshan Mahanama who added 576 in the famous Test against India in 1997 where Sri Lanka put on a mammoth 952 for 6 (declared) in response to India’s first-innings 537. (It was also Jayawardene’s debut Test Match.)
- Sangakkara and Jayawardene also became only the second pair in Test history to score 250s in the same innings, after Sir Garry Sobers and Conrad Hunte achieved it for West Indies against Pakistan in 1957-58.
On the other hand, South Africans had the misfortune of being at the receiving end of this punishing phenomenon. The Sri Lankan humidity was draining them bad while this partnership took the game away from them.
A record was also made by a South African – Nicky Boje went 65 overs without any success. The 221 runs he conceded is the second-most by any bowler who has ended wicket-less in an innings.
It was an amazing day’s cricket – one where the records tumbled with every passing hour. Something which Sri Lankans are proud of is the fact that the crossing of so many milestones did nothing to push this one into a one-sided drawn test match.
Only because Sri Lanka comfortably won the 1st test by an innings and 153 runs.
DPMD Jayawardene was adjudged the Man of the Match.
It will be nothing less than unfair, if you do not relive two of the finest innings. Enjoy the graceful carnage here!
Shubhang Srivastava, born and brought up in Delhi, always wanted to become a traveler or something. But, he is currently working as a successful professional in the advertising industry. He loves lounging on his oversized bean bag, listening to Coldplay. A complete movie buff, his knowledge can actually leave you amazed. He has an eye for detail and an unparalleled passion for Formula One, Cricket and Squash. When he’s not working, one can easily find him getting involved in some sports discussion episode with people around.
P.S.: He is a very nice guy. Trust us.
