Video: Kumar Sangakkara’s 166 helps Surrey find a place in RL Cup final

The island nation saw its brightest cricket star walk away from international cricket last month, leaving a relatively young side in tatters. Even as his home side prepares itself for life beyond the legend, there is another team that has benefited immensely from his retirement.

On Monday, Kumar Sangakkara churned out a brilliantly crafted hundred for Surrey, the team for which he plays in English county post retirement. His innings of 166, which is three short of his one-day best, ensured Surrey’s place in the final of Royal London Cup semi-final.

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The legendary Sri Lankan southpaw was on song, smashing literally anything that came his way. His stroke-filled knock, which came against a bowling attack led by England speedster Stuart Broad and had the likes of Harry Gurney, Dan Christian and Samit Patel, all of whom have played international cricket, had 13 boundaries and one hit over the fence. Such was his impact on the game that he single-handedly took Surrey’s total to 300 as no other batsman reached to a half-century.

In reply, Nottinghamshire didn’t have the best of the starts and were quickly 3 down for 16. Greg Smith, Patel, Christian led the recovery and Mullaney fought hard towards the end but Surrey eventually nudged out the Notts by four runs in a tight finish, progressing to the final which will be played at Lord’s, the home of cricket.

Sri Lanka’s loss has turned out to be Surrey’s gain.