Sri Lanka has a long and prosperous cricketing history not only in terms of trophies won but also considering the wealth of players the country has introduced into the global cricketing scene. One of the crown jewels of Sri Lanka’s accomplishments is the 1996 Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka defeated the Australians by seven wickets to lift the 6th World Cup.
Sri Lanka however had the advantage of automatic qualification for the quarter finals. The World Cup as scheduled to happen in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka was subject to much controversy before it even began. On the back of the bombings on the Central Bank by Tamil Tigers, West Indies and Australia refused to participate in the tournament due to security concerns. Despite of repeated assurances from the ICC as well as Sri Lanka, and following extended negotiations, the ICC finally decided that Sri Lanka would be given a bye for both games.
As a result, the Sri Lankans came through with flying colors defeating India, Kenya and England en route the finals against Australia. Coached by Dav Whatmore and under the respected leadership of Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka made use of all tactics available to restrict the runs and used the batting marvels Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana to score an unbeatable target. India was their first victim and suffered a total of 117 runs in just the opening 15 overs, while Sri Lanka continued their form against Kenya and England scoring 123 and 121 respectively.
Sri Lanka eased into the semis against India at Eden Gardens. Sri Lanka had managed a target of 251 for 8 while India lost their 8 wickets with 120 runs scored and 15 overs left. This embarrassing situation infuriated the Indian public in the stands who eventually started throwing stuff into the field while fires were also lit. As a result, the match was awarded to Sri Lanka.
On the day of the finals, Sri Lanka had the advantage of the toss and elected to field. Certainly a matter of confidence for the Lankans because Australia had won all 5 of their World Cup finals batting first. Australia rounded up at the score of 241 for 7, a comparatively easy target for Sri Lanka who posted yet another victory to lift the cup with pride. Aravinda de Silva was awarded the Player of the Match for his 3 wickets and an unbeaten 107 runs. Sri Lanka also became the first ever national cricket team to have won the coveted tournament as a host.
Aravinda de Silva was among the leading run getters with 448 runs behind Sachin Tendulkar and Mark Waugh with 523 and 484 respectively. India’s Anil Kumble took the most number of wickets with 15 wickets followed by Waquar Younis and Damien Fleming.