Sangakkara hits record fourth straight ODI ton at ICC Cricket World Cup
Published:Wednesday | March 11, 2015 | 5:05 PM
HOBART, Australia (AP):
Kumar Sangakkara scored an unprecedented fourth consecutive century to set Sri Lanka on course for a 148-run victory over Scotland at the Cricket World Cup yesterday.
The 37-year-old Sangakkara, caught behind for 124 off 95 balls, became the first batsman to score hundreds in four successive one-day internationals (ODI). In the last 13 days, he's posted unbeaten centuries in wins over Bangladesh and England and was out for 104 in Sunday's loss to Australia. He plans to retire from ODIs after the tournament.
Together with Tillakaratne Dilshan, whose 104 was his second ton of the tournament, their 195-run, second-wicket partnership founded Sri Lanka's 363-9 total. It was their 20th century partnership, second best in ODI history.
Scotland lost opener Kyle Coetzer, caught and bowled by Lasith Malinga, on the second ball of the innings, and never threatened to win their first World Cup match in 13 attempts. The Scots were bowled out for 215 runs in the 44th over.
"Maybe it's because I'm making a lot of better decisions, the right decisions at the right time, taking risks at the right time, being more calculated, being a bit more positive," Sangakkara said.