Sharjah: Mahela Jayawardene compiled an effortless 124 to help the Sagittarius Strikers to a handsome 63-run win over bottom-placed Libra Legends in the Masters Champions League (MCL) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Jayawardene, who put on 102 runs for the opening wicket with skipper Adam Gilchirst, went on to score the first century of the tournament with his fluent knock coming off just 60 balls, including 10 boundaries and nine huge sixes as the Sagittarius Strikers compiled 227 for 3 at the end of their 20 overs.

In the process, the diminutive batsman and former Sri Lanka captain – who has nearly 26,000 runs in all three formats of the game – became the highest individual scorer in an innings so far, surpassing countryman Kumar Sangakkara’s 86 scored against the Libra Legends.

The 38-year-old is still nursing an old injury. “I am still struggling a bit, but I am trying to manage it (injury). It’s been okay during the batting but running is a problem. But once you get into the groove then it’s pretty much easy,” Jayawardene said after the match.

Gilchrist, dropped by Michael Lumb while on 5, went on to make 38 off 28 deliveries before being superbly caught and bowled by Nicky Boje when the score was 102.

After that, Jayawardene made full use of the solid start to put on 62 runs off a mere 26 balls for the third wicket with Michael Carberry, who went on to stay unbeaten with 23 including a four and two sixes.

Facing a demanding run-rate of more than 11 runs an over, the Libra Legends never seemed at ease as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Shane Bond initiated the collapse sending Michael Lumb after making 13 runs and Taufeeq Umar followed soon after with just three runs to his name to leave the Libra Legends at 31 for 2.

However, it was Sean Ervine who managed to keep things on an even keel with his smooth hitting as the Legends matched the Strikers at the midway stage at 98 for 4. However, after the Zimbabwean departed following a well-made 55 runs off 20 deliveries, the Legends’ resistance was broken as they managed to reach 164 for 7 at the end of their 20 overs.

The Sagittarius Strikers will now take on the unbeaten Gemini Arabians in Friday’s first match to decide the leader of the six-team competition. Jayawardene downplayed the hype. “It’s just another game and it would be nice to get another win. We need to just do the right things and that is important at this stage. The tournament is getting tougher and we need to just continue and play better than the rest,” he said.

Scires

Sagittarius Strikers def. Libra Legends by 63 runs: Sagittarius Strikers 227 for 3 in 20 overs (Adam Gilchrist 38, Mahela Jayawardena 124, Michael Carberry 23 n.o., Yasir Hameed 12 n.o.. Libra Legends 164 for 7 in 20 overs (Sean Ervine 55; Shane Bond 2-11, Daniel Vettori 2-32). Man of the Match: Mahela Jayawardena.

FRIDAY’S FIXTURES

(3 pm) Sagittarius Strikers x Gemini Arabians

(7.30 pm) Capricon Commanders x Libra Legends