Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) commemorates one of the greatest moments in the nation’s sporting history – their iconic victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. The official Twitter handle of Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) shared a nostalgic throwback post, celebrating 29 years since the country conquered the cricketing world.
The post features an image from the historic night, with captain Arjuna Ranatunga lifting the trophy after Sri Lanka’s emphatic seven-wicket win against Australia in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 17, 1996. The caption reads, “1996 Glory, Forever in Our Hearts!” followed by hashtags #SriLankaCricket #ThePrideoftheNation—a reflection of the immense pride and legacy the victory still holds.
Sri Lanka’s golden moment in cricket history
The 1996 Cricket World Cup win was a turning point for Sri Lankan cricket, marking the first time the island nation claimed the prestigious ICC title. Led by Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka defied all odds with a fearless brand of cricket, revolutionizing the one-day format with aggressive batting strategies. Key players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Aravinda de Silva, and Muttiah Muralitharan played crucial roles in the team’s journey to glory.
In the final, Aravinda de Silva’s all-round performance (a match-winning century and three wickets) helped Sri Lanka chase down Australia’s target of 241 with ease. This victory not only brought the nation into the cricketing elite but also inspired generations of cricketers, shaping Sri Lanka’s dominance in international cricket in the years that followed.
1996 Glory, Forever in Our Hearts!❤️🇱🇰🏆#SriLankaCricket #ThePrideoftheNation pic.twitter.com/mqi7sHt8Yw
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 17, 2025
A lasting legacy
Even after nearly three decades, the 1996 World Cup win remains Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketing achievement, uniting the country in an era of hope and sporting excellence. Every year, March 17 is celebrated as a reminder of that historic night when Sri Lanka stunned the world.
As cricket fans relive the memories, Sri Lanka Cricket’s tribute serves as a testament to the legacy of the 1996 champions—a team that redefined Sri Lankan cricket forever.
