By Aravinda de Silva, the illustrious Sri Lankan all-rounder, has been bestowed with a prestigious place in the ICC Hall of Fame, a recognition that encapsulates his remarkable career marked by pivotal performances, most notably during the 1996 Cricket World Cup. De Silva’s journey to this revered hall is a testament to his exceptional contributions with both bat and ball and his pivotal role in guiding Sri Lanka to their first-ever World Cup triumph.
The pinnacle of De Silva’s career unfolded in the 1996 World Cup final against Australia, a watershed moment for Sri Lankan cricket. At the age of 29, De Silva showcased his cricketing prowess by delivering a standout performance with the ball. His crucial wickets included the prized scalps of Australia’s captain Mark Taylor, the emerging talent Ricky Ponting, and the reliable keeper Ian Healy. De Silva’s bowling brilliance contributed significantly to restricting Australia to a modest total of 241/7 in the first inning.
Yet, it was with the bat that De Silva etched his name in cricketing history. In a display of extraordinary skill and composure, he became the first and remains the only player to achieve the remarkable feat of scoring a century and taking three wickets in a men’s Cricket World Cup final. In a tense chase, De Silva’s unbeaten 107* from 124 balls guided Sri Lanka to victory with seven wickets in hand, securing their maiden World Cup title. His masterful innings and all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award, cementing his legacy as a cricketing icon.
De Silva’s heroics extended beyond the final, with a standout century against Kenya in the group stage. His consistent performances played a pivotal role as Sri Lanka topped their group with an unbeaten run of five wins in as many matches, setting the stage for their historic World Cup triumph.
Performance under pressure:
The statistics from the tournament further underscored De Silva’s impact. His total of 448 runs placed him as the third-highest run scorer, achieved in just six innings at an impressive average of 89.6. This period marked a dominant phase for the Sri Lankan star, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and against top-quality opposition.
Although De Silva bid farewell to ODIs after the 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, his influence persisted. In that tournament, he amassed 267 runs, the third-highest for Sri Lanka, despite their exit in the semi-final against eventual champions Australia. His bowling record in ODIs, with 106 scalps at an average of 39.4 and two four-wicket hauls, further highlighted his multifaceted contributions to the team.
Mahela salutes:
Mahela Jayawardena, another luminary in Sri Lankan cricket and an ICC Hall of Famer, paid a heartfelt tribute to De Silva. In an open letter, Jayawardena expressed deep admiration for De Silva’s impact on Sri Lankan cricket, citing iconic moments and hailing him as the nation’s best batter. Jayawardena recounted personal memories of idolizing De Silva and underscored the invaluable Mentorship received from the cricketing legend.
Mahela Jayawardena, another luminary in Sri Lankan cricket and an ICC Hall of Famer, paid a heartfelt tribute to De Silva. In an open letter, Jayawardena expressed deep admiration for De Silva’s impact on Sri Lankan cricket, citing iconic moments and hailing him as the nation’s best batter. Jayawardena recounted personal memories of idolizing De Silva and underscored the invaluable Mentorship received from the cricketing legend.
As the news of De Silva’s induction into the ICC Hall of Fame broke on November 13, 2023, Jayawardena’s letter added a personal touch to the celebration. The letter encapsulates the profound influence De Silva had on Sri Lankan cricket, shaping the careers and aspirations of younger players and leaving an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape.
In conclusion, Aravinda de Silva’s journey to the ICC Hall of Fame is a tale of unparalleled cricketing excellence. From his stellar performances in the 1996 World Cup to his enduring impact on the cricketing fraternity, De Silva’s legacy is celebrated not just in statistics but in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of witnessing his brilliance. His induction is a fitting tribute to a cricketer who not only conquered the cricketing arena but also inspired generations with his skill, resilience, and commitment to the sport. Congratulations, Aravinda, on a well-deserved place among cricketing immortals.
Link to more details:https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/3784268
