Murali trophy

Former Sri Lanka: Former Sri Lanka cricketer, Aravinda de Silva, reflected on his iconic career, recounting his battles with Australia, his friendship with Shane Warne, and his optimism about Sri Lanka's cricketing future. De Silva emphasised how Australia’s competitive edge brought out the best in him, particularly in his unforgettable century at the Gabba and his all-round brilliance in the World Cup final.

Sri Lanka’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse is incomplete without the contributions of Aravinda de Silva. Known for his fearless batting and knack for stepping up in high-pressure moments, de Silva’s career epitomized resilience and class.

One of the defining moments of his career was his match-winning performance in the 1996 World Cup final against Australia. Facing an Australian team brimming with world-class players, de Silva delivered a complete performance with bat, ball, and in the field. His unbeaten 107, three wickets, and two catches secured Sri Lanka’s maiden World Cup title and etched his name in cricketing history.