The Sri Lanka fans would’ve hoped for a grand farewell for the two maestros Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), but with Sri Lanka crumbling to a nine wicket loss to South Africa in the quarter-final at Sydney, it was just not to be.

Both players had announced well in advance that the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 would be the last time they turned out for Sri Lanka in an ODI kit. Jayawardene could only score 4 runs. Sangakkara fought bravely for his 45 but with wickets tumbling all around him he lost the battle.

Nevertheless, the two have had a wonderful career and despite the poor loss in their last game, their achievements over the years can’t be overseen. The cricket world was overwhelmed by the occasion of two legends hanging their boots and took to Twitter to express their reactions.

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar wished the Sri Lankan veterans Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara after the two played their final ODI innings, on Wednesday at Sydney. Tendulkar, who played a key role in India's World Cup 2011 campaign before retiring in 2013, congratulated Jayawardene and Sangakkara for their memorable careers in international cricket. "Well done on glorious ODI careers @KumarSanga2 and @MahelaJay," tweeted the legendary batsman. "Being an integral part of the ODI side for so many years. Imagine the side without the 2 of you. Wishing you the very best and will miss the 2 of you constructing the innings in coloured clothes."

Meanwhile, Former Sri Lankan coach and Australian Test cricket player Tom Moody Tweeted: "Sad to see @OfficialSLC bailout of the #CWC15 especially when they have to say goodbye to two of their greats @KumarSanga2 & @MahelaJay"

The World Cup winning Sri Lankan coach Dav Whatmore also joined the well wishers on Twitter: "To @KumarSanga2 & @MahelaJay bad luck tonight but well done on your superb careers. Good luck and hope to see you both in the future!"

Former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman Tweeted: "Congrats @MahelaJay & @KumarSanga2 on an excellent career.You have been gr8 role models & inspiration 2 a lot of youngsters.Good luck:)"

While Sangakkara featured in 404 ODIs and scored 14234 runs, Jayawardene played 44 more and hit 12650 runs. The two formed the fulcrum on which Sri Lanka's batting was balanced for a decade and a half.
(With inputs from NDTV and CricketCountry.com)