Kleinveldt fought a lone battle to give Northants a chance, only for Sangakkara to steal the spotlight in the One Day Cup quarters.
But for Kleinveldt’s unbeaten 76, which came off 62 balls, with seven fours and three sixes, Northants would have been in the showers a lot earlier. But the Saffa produced a measured performance against Surrey, taking control when he came to the crease at 183-6, a total which included Richard Levi‘s 20 off 20 balls in the opening partnership of 24 in four overs.
Kleinveldt found no one to stay with him until Azharulla joined him on a precarious 227-9, blocking up one end as Kleinveldt struck out, adding 49 for the last wicket and taking the total to 276.
It looked as if Northants might have pulled it off after they worked through the Surrey batting until they needed 31 off the last 20 balls. There was no denying Sangakkara, who took control and hit the winning runs with a six and a four for a last-ball victory. He ended on a brilliant 130 off 145 balls (11×4, 2×6), and Northants were left to rue dropping him on 17 at gulley.
Surrey now play Somerset in the semi-final on 28 August, while Warwickshire meet Somerset on 29 August.
Photo: Getty Images
