Top 3 highest partnerships between Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in ODIs

Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene formed arguably the best batting pair for Sri Lanka. The duo saved Sri Lanka in many instances from early collapses. The duo was consistent, and aggressive when required. The left-right combination worked well for Sri Lanka in the middle overs. In the late 200s and early 2010s, the duo played some good cricket and destroyed the bowlers in many games. The two batters always communicated well and played for the team. Here are the three highest partnerships between Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara in ODIs. 

#1 179 against Canada in Hambantota 2011

It was the third match of the 2011 ODI World Cup in Hambantota. Batting first, Sri Lanka got a good start. After the dismissal of Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan, the duo steadied the ship and scored runs aggressively in the middle overs. While Jayawardene scored a magnificent ton in just 80 deliveries, Sangakkara scored 92(87). The duo scored 179 runs in just 135 deliveries for the third wicket as Sri Lanka won the game by a whopping 210 runs in the end.

#2 159 against England in Leeds 2011

It was the second ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and England in Leeds. England won the first ODI by 110 runs. Batting first, Sri Lanka was in trouble losing Tillakaratne Dilshan and Dinesh Chandimal in no time. That’s when Sangakkara joined Mahela and steadied the ship. The duo scored 159 runs in 175 deliveries and saved Sri Lanka from a collapse. Jayawardene scored a fabulous 144(150) and Sangakkara scored 69(85) as Sri Lanka won the match by 69 runs.

#3 153 against India in Adelaide 2008

It was the 8th match of the Commonwealth bank series between the two Asian teams. Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka suffered a huge blow at the start, losing both their openers in the first 15 deliveries. Jayawardene joined Sangakkara and saved Sri Lanka from further collapse. Sangakkara scored a good ton on a slow pitch. The Southpaw scored 128(155), assisted well by Mahela’s 71(99). The duo scored 153 in 213 deliveries and saved Sri Lanka from the collapse. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka lost the game in a thrilling contest.