Murali’s world record of 166 wickets marked by the SSC

Among the plethora of bowling feats accomplished by Lankan spinning ace Muttiah Muralitharan, the haul of 166 wickets at the Sinhalese Sports Club also stands out. On Sunday SSC unveiled a plaque to celebrate the event.

The event was during the Third and final Test between England and Sri Lanka was in progress. Sports Minister Faiszer Musthapha unveiled plaque, while Murali’s life time cricket friend Kumar Sangakkara was also present.

The programme was mooted by SSC stalwart Michael de Zoysa.

Muralitharan’s Test analysis at the SSC reads at 46 innings 24 matches and 166 wickets at a percentage of 20.69., with a best of 8 for 87 against India in August 2001. This is a world record on its own along with the career haul of 800 Test wickets.

Besides Muralitharan only two other cricketers have achieved a century of wickets in a single venue. They are England fast bowler James Anderson – 103 wickets at Lords and Ranga Herath 102 wickets at The Galle International cricket Stadium.

However Murali also has taken 117 wickets at the Asgiriya Stadium and 111 wickets at the Galle International Stadium.