Most cricket experts and locals fans were under
an illusion that Sri Lanka could never win a cricket world cup. They believed
that the country's 1996 triumph could not be emulated in near future, not in
their lifetime.
Their beliefs too were reasonable in a way as winning another
world cup has been so near and yet so far for Sri Lanka, having lost four World
Cup finals in recent times. When Sri Lanka made it to their fifth World Cup
final in the ICC T20 tournament beating the West Indies in the first semifinal,
many thought last Sunday's final against India would eventually turn out to be
another bitter experience.
But
Sri Lankans were fifth time lucky as they produced a miraculous performance to
humble the mighty Indians by six wickets to reach the pinnacle of T20 world
cricket. It was only Sri Lanka's second world cup cricket title and the first
World T20 title. Sri Lanka's only other milestone in world cricket was achieved
under Arjuna Ranatunga when they beat Australia by seven wickets in the Wills
World Cup final played in Lahore, Pakistan on March 17, 1996.
It
was a long 18-year wait for Sri Lanka to conquer the Mount Everest in cricket
once more though they had figured in four global cricket finals prior to the
2014 World T20 tournament. Four successive defeats in World Cup finals are
undoubtedly a frustrating experience and many wondered whether Sri Lanka may not
be able to break the hoodoo this time too.
This was that best possible chance for Sri Lanka
to win a T20 World Cup before the retirements of two former captains and
veteran batsmen Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. On the other hand, all
other members of the Sri Lanka team was determined to find that elusive win in
a cup final to make it a fitting tribute to the duo who had made immense
contribution to Sri Lanka cricket.
They just didn't say good bye to T20 Internationals. They did that
in style - in the most unforgettable fashion. More importantly, their team
mates were more keen in giving them a fitting farewell with nothing else than
that elusive World Cup! They achieved that cherished goal by beating India by
six wickets in the final of the ICC World T20 final played in Dhaka on Sunday
night before a packed stadium.
What
else could Mahela and Sanga ever dream of than that glittering T20 World Cup in
their farewell international match of the latest version of the game! Retiring
with the climax, reaching the pinnacle of world cricket is the dream of any
cricketer but only few of them would achieve that goal. Mahela and Sanga
belonged to that exclusive club.
Sri Lanka produced some top quality cricket to break the jinx of
becoming runner-up in four successive World Cup finals. The Lankan bowlers
teamed up effectively to restrict the strong Indian batting line up for an
unimpressive 130 for 4 in 20 overs after captain Lasith Malinga elected to
field first.
Sangakkara
had not been that impressive in his lead up to the final, but his willow did
the talking when it mattered most. Sangakkara's explosive knock of 52 not out
off 35 balls shattered any hope India had in defending that modest total.
A
golden chapter in Sri Lanka cricket was unveiled when Thisara Perera lofted
Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for a massive six in the penultimate ball of
the 18th over as Sri Lanka made 134 for 4 in 17.5 overs.
Overall, it was a life-time experience for most as the
cricket-crazy Lankan fans of all walks of life came in their numbers to support
the national team. It was a cherished moment which displayed national unity
with all Sri Lankans uniting in support the national team, sans political,
ethnic or religious affiliations. People in the Northern town of Killinochchci
as well as those in the Southern city of Galle came to streets to celebrate
that memorable win.
The people across the country cerebrated the team's
victory lighting crackers and fireworks. The cricket fans gathered before giant
screens erected in major towns, clubs and other public places to catch the
action and were seen celebrating until the wee hours.
It was a great moment which proved the power of sport as
a great leveler.
This spirit of brotherhood and unity should be maintained
in the country's reconciliation process as well.
Lahiru Attanayake CC
Lahiru Attanayake CC
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