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On this day in 1997, Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya delivered a remarkable performance in Colombo. Known for his exceptional all-round abilities, Jayasuriya scored an astonishing 340 runs against India at the R Premadasa Stadium. This innings stands as the second-highest individual score by a Sri Lankan in Test cricket, trailing only behind Mahela Jayawardene’s 374 against South Africa.
Jayasuriya’s monumental effort contributed to Sri Lanka’s massive total of 952 runs in their innings, although the Test match ended in a draw.
Harnessing his exceptional hand-eye coordination, Sanath Jayasuriya delivered a stunning innings that highlighted his incredible power. On August 6, nearly 27 years ago, India faced a formidable challenge as Sri Lanka, having lost the toss, began by fielding in the Test match.
Jayasuriya also played a pivotal role with the ball, taking three wickets in India’s first innings. Despite his efforts, India managed to declare at a robust total of 537 runs for the loss of eight wickets.
During Sri Lanka’s innings, Sanath Jayasuriya opened the batting alongside Marvan Atapattu. After Atapattu was dismissed early, Jayasuriya formed a strong partnership with Roshan Mahanama. Although he began the first day with just 12 runs, Jayasuriya continued his innings into the third day, concluding with an unbeaten 175, while Mahanama contributed 115.
By the end of the fourth day, Sri Lanka had amassed 587 runs for the loss of only one wicket. Jayasuriya had reached a remarkable triple-century, finishing the day with 326 runs, while Mahanama had also achieved a double century.
The pair continued their innings throughout the fourth day, with Jayasuriya eventually reaching 340 and setting numerous records. He accomplished this feat with 578 balls faced, striking 36 boundaries and two sixes in his monumental innings. His partnership with Mahanama, which amassed 576 runs, stands as the second-highest Test partnership for any wicket in Sri Lankan history.
Jayasuriya’s innings came to an end when he was dismissed by India’s Rajesh Chauhan, leaving Sri Lanka at 615/3. Following Jayasuriya’s departure, Aravinda de Silva added a century, and Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga contributed with 86 runs. The match concluded in a draw after Sri Lanka declared their innings at a massive 952 runs.
