Kumar Sangakkara, one of the most elegant and prolific cricketers in the history of the game, has had a remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup. Known for his classy stroke play, sharp wicketkeeping skills, and astute leadership, Sangakkara has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s T20 cricket success. Let’s explore his T20 World Cup journey through the years, highlighting some of his most memorable performances.
2007: The Inaugural T20 World Cup
The first T20 World Cup in South Africa in 2007 saw Sangakkara as a vital player for Sri Lanka. Although Sri Lanka did not progress past the Super Eight stage, Sangakkara’s performance was a standout. One of his key contributions came against New Zealand, where he scored a quickfire 69 off 53 balls, displaying his adaptability to the shorter format and anchoring the innings effectively.
2009: A Run to the Finals
The 2009 T20 World Cup in England was a significant tournament for Sangakkara and Sri Lanka. As captain, he led the team to the finals, showcasing his leadership and batting prowess. His crucial knock of 55* off 42 balls against the West Indies in the semi-final was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victory, guiding them to a competitive total and eventually to the final, where they finished as runners-up to Pakistan.
2010: Consistency and Class
In the 2010 T20 World Cup in the West Indies, Sangakkara continued to be a consistent performer for Sri Lanka. Although Sri Lanka did not reach the final, Sangakkara’s innings of 68 off 49 balls against New Zealand in the Super Eights was a highlight. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed was on full display, reinforcing his importance to the team.
2012: A Captain’s Legacy
The 2012 T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka was a memorable tournament for Sangakkara, both as a player and as a leader. Playing on home soil, he was pivotal in leading Sri Lanka to the finals once again. His solid innings of 44 off 33 balls against Pakistan in the semi-final helped set up a competitive total, which Sri Lanka successfully defended to reach the final. Despite losing to the West Indies in the final, Sangakkara’s contributions throughout the tournament were significant.
2014: The Championship Triumph
The 2014 T20 World Cup in Bangladesh was the crowning glory of Sangakkara’s T20 World Cup career. In his final T20 World Cup appearance, he played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s triumph. His unbeaten 52 off 35 balls in the final against India was a masterclass in pressure handling and stroke play. Sangakkara’s calm and composed innings guided Sri Lanka to victory, securing their first T20 World Cup title. His performances earned him a fitting farewell from the T20 World Cup stage.
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