by Roshan Mahanama, Former Sri Lanka Cricketer
25 years ago, we took ourselves one step closer to our dream of becoming World Cup Champions 🏆 by defeating a strong Indian team in the semi-final at Eden Gardens, Calcutta which was then the world’s largest cricket ground boasting a capacity of over 100,000 spectators.
I still recall it being the most humid day I have experienced and the unbelievable atmosphere. To this day, it is my proudest knock in limited overs cricket for many reasons: Our opponents, the match situation, the audience and the conditions.
I walked in at 35-3 and battled it out with Aravinda who played a gem of an innings and Arjuna to post a competitive score. The physical toll was so immense that I had to be carried off the field when I retired hurt on 58 because of cramps.
Wethen took the field, making the Indian batting line up collapse before the game was given in our favour due to crowd disturbances. Whenever I played, it was always about contributing to the team’s success and this game will always be special to me.
Aravinda De Silva speaks about his famous innings 🇱🇰🏏👇
'It made me more determined, got my adrenaline pumping'
A packed Eden Gardens witnessed a sublime counterattack from Aravinda de Silva 💫 #OnThisDay pic.twitter.com/OQGJ7GI0hD
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 13, 2021
