Mahela Jayawardene batted for 752 minutes to score 374 against South Africa — the second-highest individual score in Test history, one run short of Brian Lara's record, as part of the 624-run partnership that broke the Test partnership record with Sangakkara.
The SSC Test in 2006 was the setting for multiple Test records. Jayawardene and Sangakkara's 624-run partnership broke the previous record of 576. Sangakkara made 287. And Jayawardene — passing all previous Sri Lankan Test records — fell just one run short of the greatest Test innings ever played.
Sri Lanka had been batting for two full days. Jayawardene was approaching records with characteristic quiet efficiency — he was known for batting without fanfare, letting his strokeplay speak without theatrics. As he approached 375, the ground held its breath.
At 374, Jayawardene was caught off Nicky Boje by Graeme Smith at slip. One run short of Lara's record. 374 instead of 375.
Jayawardene walked off to a standing ovation. He had batted for 752 minutes. He had hit 43 fours and a six. He had been virtually chanceless. The one run was the difference between 'best in history' and 'second-best ever.'
Jayawardene never expressed frustration — he said he was at peace with 374, that the team result (a massive win) and the partnership record were what mattered. Sri Lanka made 756/5 declared. South Africa were beaten by an innings.
Jayawardene passing 334, 365 — approaching the summit of Test batting
Caught for 374 — one run short of Lara's world record
Walking off to a standing ovation — unbeaten bar the single catch
July 2006
Sri Lanka vs South Africa — Jayawardene and Sangakkara begin their partnership
Day 2
Jayawardene approaching 375 — ground aware of what's at stake
374
Caught by Smith off Boje — one run short of Lara
Sri Lanka won the match by an innings. Jayawardene retired in 2015 as one of the three finest batsmen of his generation alongside Ponting and Tendulkar.
374 is the second-highest individual Test score in history and arguably the most elegant innings of that scale ever played. The one run's difference from the record adds poignancy — but the innings is complete in itself.
Jayawardene's 374 is the nearest any batsman has come to Lara's record since Lara set it in 2004. Together with Lara's 400, it confirms that the 400-mark in Tests is the Everest that batting has come closest to but not surpassed.
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