Cricket brings us memories to savor for ages. Some occasions are still as fresh as a daisy. Cricket has been a great binder. It unites every one of us as one. We cherish the moments together: we cry together. There are always moments to remember.
Freehit contributor – Thushan Perera
I would like to revisit 5 defining moments in Sri Lankan cricket, which transformed our great cricketing nation. There could be discussions and disagreements with these kinds of lists. It is not easy-peasy to pick five key defining moments in a such rich cricketing history. But I hope to compile a list with those which I think that were the moments that defined our cricketing history.
5. David wins vs Goliath 1.0
No. 5 is our very first test victory against India in 1985. This victory was indeed special as at that time we were in the middle of one of the gloomiest times in our history. But a bunch of cricketers gave us one of the most cherished moments in our lives on 11 September 1985 by beating the mighty Indians.
The Indian team came down with some fine players in the likes of Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Mohammad Azharuddin, Dilip Vengasarkar, Mohender Amaranath, etc. Duleep Mendis led the lions and Rumesh Ratnayake completing the return catch from Kapil Dev to win the test by 149 runs, one of the most iconic moments in Sri Lankan cricket history.
4. Muralitharan in Australia, Arjuna Ranatunga and other stories
A tubby left-handed batsman made his debut in the inaugural test for Sri Lanka, which was one of the defining moments in Sri Lanka cricket without a doubt. This fearless ‘King of Sri Lanka Cricket’ changed the way we thought about cricket in the 1990s.
His influence was underscored by the rise of players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas.
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He was a maverick and a fighter.
A sleeping lion awakened in Australia in 1995 and 1998 when a small time cricketer named Muttiah Muralitharan was unfairly called for throwing. That moment not only transformed Sri Lankan cricket, but also world cricket.
My 4th choice for this list is Arjuna Ranatunga and Muttiah Muralitharan in Australia.
3. Rangana Herath vs. New Zealand in 2014
2014 was an incredible year for every Sri Lankan fan. We won the Asia Cup, the T20I World Cup and the Test and ODI series in England.
But, if not for one bowling spell in the T20 World Cup in 2014, we might not have ended up champions. That was Rangana Herath’s 5 wicket haul vs New Zealand in the virtual quarter final at Chittagong.
Sri Lanka lost to England despite Mahela Jayawardene’s 86 as Alex Hales led the chase of the 189-run target with a splendid century.
Then arrived the must-win encounter against New Zealand. Dinesh Chandimal, the regular captain was banned because of a slow overrate offense. We batted and added only 119. Most of us dropped our hopes halfway. Then a tubby left armer came into the attack and changed the whole story. 4 overs 3 runs and 5 wickets.
As many of us say, the rest is history!
2. The heist in South Africa.
There are many bumps in our lives. And it’s no different for our cricket team.
The Sri Lanka team headed to South Africa in 2019 to take on the mighty Proteas for 2 Tests. The Sri Lanka cricket team management was in a mess. There were controversies over the head coach, captain and management.
Then, the selection committee decided to hand over the inexperienced squad to Dimuth Karunaratne.
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The first Test was in Durban. Sri Lanka won their very first ever Test in South Africa there under TM Dilshan in 2011. But this time all odds were against them. No one gave them a chance. No big names in the side.
Then starts the first test and Sri Lanka need to chase 304 runs to win. They lose their 9th wicket when they still need 78 runs. Kusal Perera was the only recognized batsman. He accumulated those 78 runs with Vishwa Fernando, playing one of the greatest innings of all time. He smashed the likes of Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier all over the park.
This innings defined this series as Sri Lanka converted this win to a series win.
1. The moment we still remember
Remember the date: 17 March 1996!
Remember the place: Lahore, Pakistan
Remember the name: Aravinda de Silva!
Remember the team: Sri Lanka!
A true team effort. No big names. Odds stood at 1/66 against us. We have done it. Another David vs. Goliath moment. The most experienced stood up and delivered for Sri Lanka in this battle at Lahore.
Aravinda de Silva scored one of the most scintillating World Cup centuries in the history of cricket to bring the cup to mother Lanka.
The biggest moment of our time without a doubt is Arjuna Ranatunga and the team lifting the World Cup in 1996.
This victory brought us many privileges. Sri Lanka marked their presence in the world cricketing map. That is my no. 1 moment in Sri Lanka cricket.
Finally, I would love to add a few close moments, which defined Sri Lankan cricket history. The test series win vs Australia in 1999, Muttiah Muralitharan’s 16 wicket haul, Sanath Jayasuriya’s 189 at Sharjah, Test win vs West Indies in the West Indies in 2018, Test and ODI series win vs England in England in 2014, 5-0 ODI series win vs England in 2006, 2007 and 2011 World Cup campaigns.
*Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ThePapare.com.
