‘Golden memory’: Sanath Jayasuriya shares picture of his 1996 World Cup Man of the Series car

With a hundred, 3 wickets, and 2 catches, Aravinda de Silva was the undisputed hero of the match. Arjuna Ranatunga, the captain of the Lankan team, won the toss and asked the Kangaroos to bat first. Courtesy of skipper Mark Taylor’s 74 and Michael Bevan’s 36 off 49 balls, Australia were able to score 63 in the last 10 overs and set a total of 241/7.

In reply, Sri Lanka lost their famed opening duo of Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana, with just 23 runs on the board. But Asanka Gurusinha (65) and de Silva (107) took the match away from the opponents and skipper Ranatunga also chipped in with a quick 47 off 37 balls to take the World Cup home. Sri Lanka had reached the target (245/3) in 46.2 overs.

SL vs AUS- The Rivalry

Both Australia and Sri Lanka have contested eight times in World Cups.  The Lankans have however won just one match by right against Australia. The only win by right for Sri Lanka came in the final of the 1996 World Cup. In all the other matches, however, it has been Australia who have emerged victorious. The 1996 World Cup however was a different story with Sri Lanka remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Read More