Lions light up Lahore

World Cup Classics: Final - Australia v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, 17 March 1996

Sri Lanka became the first host nation to win a World Cup when Benazir Bhutto presented the trophy to Arjuna Ranatunga under cool breeze and a light drizzle in Lahore’s jam packed Gaddafi Stadium. Australians who had earlier refused to play a group match in Sri Lanka citing security risk were vindictively out classed in all departments of the game.

Ranatunga won the toss and playing to his strength opted to field first. Although Mark Waugh departed early but Mark Taylor and Ricky Ponting played the seamers uninhibited and put on 101 runs in 19 overs. Both were dismissed by de Silva who got vicious turn and got wickets apart from keeping the run scoring in check. Taylor made a rapid 74 off 83 balls with 8 fours and a six. At half way stage Australians were looking to post a score well in access of 250. But none of their batsmen could negotiate Sri Lankan spinners effectively. Australians continued to lose wickets regularly after their set batsman Ricky Ponting was flummoxed by de Silva for 45. For about 25 overs they could not hit a single boundary barring Stuart Law’s six off Dharmasena. They were reduced to 205 for 7 in the 45th over but Michael Bevan propelled Australia to a respectable score of 241 for 7 by scoring 36 runs batting at number 7. For Sri Lanka de Silva was the most successful of the spin quartet taking 3 for 42 in his 9 overs. Ranatunga was happier of the two captains at the half stage. Crowd too was raucous and cheering for the Sri Lankan Lions.

Sri Lankan innings started in a dire fashion when their most dangerous batsman of the tournament Jayasuriya was run out as adjudged by the third umpire. It was a touch and go decision but the other opener Kaluwitharana too did not last long. Asanka Gurusinha and Aravinda de Silva put on 125 runs for the 4th wicket to demoralize the Australians who already had played two nerve wrecking matches prior top this. Australia’s catching was woeful and ground fielding too was shambolic. The slipperiness of the ball and ground due to the dew was partly responsible for this. Australian spinners Mark Waugh and Shane Warne were picked easily by these two. Aravinda was in his supreme best. He pulled, flicked and drove against the seamers and spinners with authority and velvetiness. Gurusinha too was particularly harsh on spinners. He carved Warne for a handsome six on back foot over long off to bring 100 for his team in the 21st over. Gurusinha was castled by Reiffel for 65 in the 31st over but at this point Sri Lanka needed less than 100 runs in about 20 overs. This wicket nevertheless opened a window of opportunity for Australia but Arjuna Ranatunga closed that promptly by his astute batting display.

Sri Lanka required 40 runs in the last 8 overs with two of their best batsmen still on the crease and well set. Australians needed a moment of indiscretion from one of these two but both were experienced enough to let the opportunity go by so easily when the glory was just in sight. In the 44th over Ranatunga hit one ferociously straight to Warne but it crashed through his hands and the next was a full toss on the leg side which was pummeled for a six to frustrate the leg spinner even further. De Silva flicked Damian Fleming down the leg side for a four to bring up his stunning hundred. It was third century in a world Cup final and a knock worth remembering for not only its magnificence but the way it was sketched out by a wonderful player. Ranatunga (47 off just 37 balls) scored the winning boundary towards third man on the second ball of the 47th over to win the World Cup final for a team which had won just 4 matches in the previous five Cups.

Aravinda de Silva was named man of the match for his 107 runs not out with 13 fours off 124 balls (most runs in the match), 3 wickets (most wickets in the match), and 2 catches (equal most catches in the match). Ranatunga proudly lifted the cup to get going wild celebrations throughout Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Lions had reached the top of the world after just 14 years experience of international cricket. It was indeed an incredible achievement for a nation of 18 million.