Mahela and Sanga in picture at the ICC World T20 saying, "Let's make it count". (Picture ICC Twitter)
The ICC World T20 2014 in Bangladesh took greater importance for Sri Lankan fans as two of their veteran batsmen will retire from T20 internationals following the tournament.
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayewardene considered a prolific pair in all forms cricket, shared the first ever 150 plus partnership in T20 internationals. Jayewardene scored 98 not out and Sangakkara 68 during a match against host team West Indies in Barbados at the World T20s in 2010. The pair added 166 for the second wicket and remains the second highest partnerships in T20 internationals.
TWO FINALS, TWO CAPTAINS
Both men have captained Sri Lanka in two finals; at 2009 World T20, Sangakkara on his first assignment as captain, knocked out Australia in the very first match, and went on to loose the final to Pakistan in England.
Still fresh in many minds was the heart-wrenching final at the 2012 World T20. Jayewardene captained the side to the final at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The Sri Lankans reduced the West Indies to their worst start in the tournament, yet the Caribbean side went on to prevail in the second half of the game.
MAKE IT COUNT
As the Indians pushed for victory at the 2011 World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar, the Sri Lankans will want to this final World T20 count for two of their stalwarts.
World T20 schedule which will be airing on Sportsnet World and Sportsnet.ca and is subject to change.
