Cricfinity

On this day in 1997 Sanath Jayasuriya delivered a brutal display in Mumbai. On a tricky surface Sri Lanka chased 226 but he made it look effortless 151* off 120 balls including 17 fours and 4 sixes. Thanks @Zohaib1981

The reverse sweep from Aravinda de Silva during today’s exhibition match was a reminder of the similar stroke he played against Australia in the 1992 World Cup.

The first time Sri Lanka appeared in coloured clothing in limited-overs cricket. Eden Park, Auckland. 1983.

@mahenrr On the morning of October 20, 1995, the LTTE launched a major attack on the Kolonnawa oil storage complex, triggering massive fires and killing at least 20 people.

One of Sri Lanka cricket’s most heartbreaking moments. Chasing a mammoth target of 334 set by the West Indies, Sri Lanka agonisingly fell short by just 4 runs. Hashan Tillakaratne scored a century under immense pressure, holding the innings together when it mattered most.

@mahenrr Yes. Sharjah 1995

@cricfinity 1995 Sharjah

@AmuliusVictor When Stuart Williams took Tillakaratne’s catch at the boundary, a spectator suffered a fatal heart attack. He had been watching the match with his son and collapsed as the game came to a close. He was pronounced dead on the way to the Colombo National Hospital.

This was a legendary moment in the annals of SL cricket that most SL fans today don’t know of. Never saw this moment until now, but heard about it as a mythic tale in the 90s. Another piece of the puzzle done on the way to ‘96. SL would comeback to beat the Windies in the Final.

@shuveshek Yeah, Sachin and Ganguly really set the game up with that opening stand. The “13 players” line could apply to plenty of games in the subcontinent during the 90s.

@cricfinity Singer Akai Nidahas trophy. I remember the final how SL were playing with 13 players(2 ump) . Sachin/saurav had the 252 opening partnership, aravindas 105 and how the last wicket was a runout. For me it was so satisfying to see agarkar bowling jayasurya in the 1st match

This remains the only ODI series Sri Lanka lost on home soil under the captaincy of Arjuna Ranatunga during the 1996–1999 period. Do you remember this series, and what are your memories of it?

@CentristSo Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy 1998

@cricfinity Nidahas trophy - 1998

@ILINSARASWATLaw Almost there.

@cricfinity Singer cup.

We disappeared for a bit… but we’re back!

@RexClementine Records later… the 2 km run comes first. 😂

Said in next life too I will be born in Sri Lanka. Will break all Aravinda’s batting records and in the process break one billion Indian hearts.

@nibraz88cricket This is slightly misinterpreted; they bowled only three overs, while the other over was delivered by Sachithra Senanayake.

No one has come close to replicating the magic of Malinga & Kulasekara’s 2014 spell ever since. 11 years on, that 4-over burst of yorkers and swing still remains the gold standard 🐐🔥

@anilkumble1074 Two legends who celebrate their birthdays on the same day.

Always nice to catch up with this legend. Had some great moments trying to outwit him on the cricket field. Aravinda de Silva, what a player!

During the 2018-2019 period, Sri Lanka's limited-overs cricket team faced significant challenges, including frequent captaincy changes and a series of disappointing results. The team managed to win only one of 15 ODIs leading up to the World Cup. In an effort to bring stability, the selectors appointed Dimuth Karunaratna as captain, following his success in leading the Test side to a historic series win in South Africa—the first by an Asian team in that country. Although Karunaratna had not played an ODI since the 2015 World Cup, he accepted the responsibility. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka delivered a somewhat respectable performance in the World Cup, finishing sixth in the group stage with three wins, four losses, and two matches abandoned due to rain. More importantly, @IamDimuth's leadership provided much-needed stability and unity during a difficult period. Dimuth Karunaratna, the ODI captain, deserves a great deal of admiration for guiding Sri Lankan cricket out of a tough and stagnant phase. His leadership helped the team regain momentum, put them on a more promising path, and gave them much-needed direction during a challenging time.

@AkhilaSene97 Yes, I think this must be the first autobiography written by a Sri Lankan cricketer. I found it in a second-hand bookstore in Maradana.

Fun fact - Sunil Wettimuny is the first Sri Lankan Circketer to write a book! Also want to thank @cricfinity for I used his story from last year on what happened at the hospital which was extracted from the book "Cricket- The Noble Art"

In addition to his short career, I don't think many are aware that he is the first Sri Lankan Cricketer to write a book, which is also the source of this hilarious story of him and the policeman who visited him in the hospital! Happy birthday Capt. Sunil Wettimuny sir🧑‍✈️🏏

@Patelrajan Not Mahanama

@cricfinity Mahanama and …..

Two of the finest cricketers produced by Sri Lanka. Can you identify them?