March 17, 1996, remains the greatest day in Sri Lankan cricketing history as the then conflict hit nation beat all the odds to lift the Cricket World Cup trophy. On the biggest day of his career, Aravinda de Silva established himself as a legend of the game and an inspiration for so many young Sri Lankan cricketers who will emerge as world class cricketers years later. (More Cricket News)
1996 World Cup was co-hosted by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The island country was going through a tough time at that point with the civil war raging on. In fact, just a fortnight before the World Cup began, Sri Lankan capital of Colombo saw one of its deadliest terror attack where 91 people lost their lives.
Due to security issues, Australian and West Indies refused to travel to Sri Lanka helping the co-hosts get four free points as their opponents forfeited the game. Sri Lanka topped their group but the fact that they had gotten four points for nothing still cast a shadow on their performance.
However, The Arjuna Ranatunga-led side boosted by a young Sanath Jayasuriya's never-seen-before hitting proved the doubters wrong when they thrashed England in the quarterfinals. India were next in the semifinals and Sri Lanka showed no mercy on their neighbours as well. India were all set to lose the game before the Eden Gardens crowd went berserk and the match had to be handed to Sri Lanka.
The final was to be their biggest test. Australia consisting of legends and some of the best upcoming talent in the world looked favourites. de Silva, however, had other plans.
Sri Lanka restricted Australia to 241/7. The total would have looked small had Jayasuriya did what he did in the World Cup. However, the dashing left-hander was run out early. Soon, his partner Ramesh Kaluwitharana also fell leaving Sri Lanka in danger at 23/2.
After being the best bowler in the final with three wickets, de Silva walked out to bat. The picture of him striding out with the bat in hand and his eyes oozing determination is still one of the best World Cup photos.
De Silva smashed an unbeaten ton and made the final one-sided. Sri Lanka won. March 17, 1996 Lahore is became the date etched in Sri Lankan history.
