Sri Lankan cricket fans will never forget March 17, 1996 – the day the Lions made history by winning the ICC Cricket World Cup for the first time.
In a thrilling final against Australia at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Australia, led by Arjuna Ranatunga, completed a fairytale campaign with a resounding 7-wicket victory.
A victory to remember
Batting first, Australia scored 241/7 in their 50 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers showed discipline, with Aravinda de Silva leading the charge and taking three crucial wickets.
Chasing 242 for victory, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana were on the scoreboard for just 23 runs. However, a brilliant 125-run partnership between Aravinda de Silva and Asanka Gurusinghe turned the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Gurusinghe’s well-crafted 65 helped stabilise the innings before he was dismissed. But it was Aravinda de Silva who emerged as the man of the match, as he shared an unbeaten 47 with skipper Arjuna Ranatunga to lead Sri Lanka to victory with a brilliant unbeaten 107.
Sri Lanka reached the target in 46.2 overs, sparking celebrations across the island. The victory not only marked Sri Lanka’s first World Cup triumph, but also transformed the team into a global cricketing powerhouse.
Aravinda de Silva’s all-round performance – 107* with the bat and 3 wickets with the ball – earned him the Man of the Match award. Meanwhile, explosive opener Sanath Jayasuriya, who played a vital role throughout the tournament, was named Man of the Tournament.
The 1996 World Cup victory remains one of Sri Lanka’s greatest sporting achievements, a moment of national pride that has inspired generations of cricketers and fans.
