Top 3 performances of Aravinda de Silva in ODIs

Aravinda de Silva was born on this day, October 17, in 1965, in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka in 1984 against New Zealand at home.

He made 9284 runs at an average of 34.90 and a strike rate of 81.13 in 308 ODIs, including 11 centuries and 64 fifties, with the best score of 145. He also took 106 wickets at an economy of 7.79, with the best bowling figures of 4/30.

Today, while celebrating his 60th birthday, let’s have a look at Aravinda de Silva’s three best outings in ODIs.

Here are the top 3 performances of Aravinda de Silva in ODIs:

3. 66 & 1/3 vs. India, Kolkata, 1996 World Cup

It was the semi-final of the 1996 World Cup between India and Sri Lanka in Kolkata, and Mohammad Azharuddin chose to bowl first after winning the toss. Javagal Srinath ripped apart the Sri Lankan top order, dismissing Sanath Jayasuriya (1), Romesh Kaluwitharana (0), and Asanka Gurusinha (1) in quick succession.

However, Aravinda de Silva appeared in his ‘Mad Max’ mode and launched a severe counterattack on Indian bowlers, as he slammed 66 in 47 balls, with 14 fours, and turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor, taking them to 251/8. Roshan Mahanama, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Hashan Tillakaratne made contributions as well. Sri Lanka eventually won the match by default after the Kolkata public rioted after Sachin Tendulkar was dismissed for 65 and India slipped to 120/8.

2. 145 vs Kenya, Kandy, 1996 World Cup

The Wills World Cup 1996 was de Silva’s stage to shine and show how good he was when he was in full flow. In the 28th match of the tournament between Sri Lanka and Kenya in Kandy, Sri Lanka were asked to bat first by Kenya captain Maurice Odumbe.

While openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana gave a good start, and Asanka Gurusinha made 84, it was de Silva who shattered the Kenyan bowlers, as he smacked 145 runs in just 115 balls with 14 fours and five sixes, leading Sri Lanka to 398/5 in 50 overs.

1. 107* & 3/42 vs. Australia, Lahore, 1996 World Cup final

de Silva kept his performance of the 1996 World Cup for the final against the mighty Australians at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field as Australia posted 241/7, with Mark Taylor (74), Ricky Ponting (45), and Michael Bevan (36) being the main contributors. de Silva picked 3/42 with the ball for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka lost their in-form openers early before Asanka Gurusinha made 65 in 99 balls to steady the innings. de Silva then launched a counterattack on Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming, Shane Warne, and co as he hammered an unbeaten 107 in 124 balls with 13 fours and got support from Arjuna Ranatunga (47*), as Sri Lanka won the final by seven wickets and lifted their first ICC trophy. He won the Player of the Final.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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