Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1st ODI: Five talking points

Kumar Sangakkara

1. Sangakkara’s ton

Kumar Sangakkara’s match-winning innings was strangely paced. He ensured that he weathered out the initial threat posed by the South African quicks when they had lost an early wicket.

His first 66 runs came in 91 balls and the rest of the 103 runs in 46 balls. The impact of such an innings is all the more important considering the fact that the team had very few resources to rely upon after him. He was helped by the fact that Mahela Jayawardene battled it out at the other end of the pitch.

However, after his dismissal, Sangakkara monopolized the strike and the responsibility. In his 100-run partnership with Lahiru Thirimanne, he contributed 83 runs. This was not a one-off performance but backs up the scintillating 134 run knock against England in the Champions Trophy.