The 37-year-old achieved the feat in his 224th Test innings, during his side's second Test in New Zealand.

India's Sachin Tendulkar and Australia's Ricky Ponting both needed 247 innings to surpass the mark.

Sangakkara's 33 not out helped his side to 78-5 after the Kiwis were all out for 221 on day one in Wellington.

New Zealand lead the series 1-0 after an eight-wicket win in Christchurch.

Sangakkara began his innings on 11,995 runs and was given a standing ovation when he became the first Sri Lankan to reach 12,000 by knocking Trent Boult square for two.

Tendulkar (15,921), Ponting (13,378), South African Jacques Kallis (13,289) and India's Rahul Dravid (13,288) are the only four players to have scored more Test runs than Sangakkara.