Ruthless Sri Lanka amass record score against Kenya

JOHANNESBURG, Sep 14 (Reuters) Sri Lanka blazed their way to a new world record for the highest score in a Twenty20 international when the amassed 260 for six wickets against Kenya in a World Cup Group C match today.

The Sri Lankans plundered 30 fours and 11 sixes in a brutal display of batting that easily surpassed Australia's previous record score of 221-5 against England in Sydney earlier this year.

There was little sign of the carnage to come when Sri Lanka lost opener Upul Tharanga for 10 and meandered to 19-1 from three overs after being put in to bat.

However, Sanath Jayasuriya (88 off 44 balls) and Kumar Sangakkara (30 off 18) then showed their liking for the Kenyan attack with a second-wicket stand of 75 off 41 deliveries.

The run-rate quickened further when captain Mahela Jayawardene joined Jayasuriya and they took the score to 181 in the 15th over before the veteran left-hander was dismissed.

Jayawardene thrashed 65 runs off 27 balls, while Jehan Mubarak helped the Sri Lankans storm past the record by adding 46 off just 13 balls.

Kenya lost their opening match of the tournament against New Zealand while Sri Lanka are playing in their first contest.

REUTERS BJR HS1702