SL set record T20 total to blow away Kenya

Sanath Jayasuriya’s brute power-hitting enthralled the spectators as the veteran blasted 88 off 44 balls, while skipper Mahela Jayawardene hit 65 from just 27. And if that was not enough, Jehan Mubarak’s 13-ball 46 came as a showstopper.

Having posted a record total of 260 which saw them going past the Australia’s total of 221, the Lankan bowlers allowed the Kenyans to reach a meagre 88 for 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

The Sri Lankan batsmen peppered their innings with an astounding 30 boundaries and 11 sixes to sent shock waves for their opponents.

Kenya, who lost their first match to New Zealand and needed a victory to stay in the tournament, is now out of the World Cup.

Despite losing Upul Tharanga (10) early in the innings to Thomas Odoyo, Jayasuriya and Sangakkara (30 off 18) began a run-riot.

The duo posted 75 for the second wicket and laid the foundation of a big total before Sangakkara fell sweeping to Jimmy Kamande (3-48).

However, there was no respite for the Kenyans as new man in Jayawardene and Jayasuriya maintained the tempo.

The Kenyans made things worse for themselves when Lameck Onyango and Odoyo collided to spill a catch and gift a life to Jayawerdena.

Even after Odhiambo removed Jayasuriya (88, 44b, 11×4, 4×6) and Jayawardene (65, 27b, 9×4, 2×6) was trapped by Kamande, Mubarak took the centre-stage and carried on with the bludgeoning in the same fashion.

The left-hander smashed 29 runs (6,6,6,4,6) in one over of seamer Lameck Ngoche who was taken for 61 runs in his four overs.

In the final over of Peter Ongonda, Mubarak hit two fours and one six in the first three balls.

Mubarak remained not out and fell short of beating Mohammad Ashraful’s record for the fastest fifty.

In contrast, the Kenyan innings had just two players — David Obuya and Tanmay Mishra (16) — who managed double figure and the lone resistance came from Obuya who was not out on 32.

Jayasuriya shone with the ball as well, claiming 2-13, while Chaminda Vaas also bagged two wickets, conceding 15 runs in his four overs.