The Sri Lankan supporters and players present at the Galle International stadium gave a fitting farewell to Kumar Sangakkara playing his penultimate Test match at the very venue he made his debut 15 years ago.
It could not have been a better last match in Galle for their favourite son as the home team scripted one of their finest turnarounds with a 63-run win. While it was a quiet Test match by Sangakkara’s standards as he scored 5 and 40 in the two innings but one could find him delirious with joy as Tharindu Kaushal dismissed Amit Mishra to complete a famous Test win.
Once the match was over, Sangakkara ran towards his teammates and first hugged the two prime performers Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath. Skipper Angelo Mathews also came and gave him a warm hug. Normally not a very expressive character, Sangakkara was not exactly keen on people carrying him on their shoulders but fast bowlers Dhamika Prasad and the others forcefully lifted him on their shoulders, taking him around the ground for a lap of honour amid a standing ovation.
The VIP box had the Sangakkara family — all in attendance. Wife Yehali and the two kids — a son and a daughter watched as the Lankan legend walked out of his favourite ground one last time.
As Sanga walked out of the field for one last time, the Twitterati congratulated the elegant left hander who was making his last appearance at the soutern Sri Lankan city.
HERE IS WHAT THE TWITTERATI SAID:
Well done boys.great win and gud contribution 4rm everyone. Specially well bowled Rangana aiya.The Best tribute for the legend @KumarSanga2 — dinesh chandimal (@chandi_17)
And that’s it. @KumarSanga2 much deserved.Terrific to see the elation in the legend. He deserves it. What a gift from his team. #FallatGalle — Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar)
Indian fans of cricket must be in a quandary when @KumarSanga2 bats. Love watching him but want India to win…….Now, only 2 innings left — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
#Galle has said the final goodbye to their favourite son #Sangakkara— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash)
