Sri Lanka – why it is every one’s favorite

The 1996 world cup, held in subcontinent saw Srilanka becoming a giant in the world of cricket. Not only did they win the world cup, but they won all their games. The brilliance of Aravinda, the merciless slashes and short jabs of Jayasuria and the calmness of skipper Arjuna Ranatunga made Sri Lanka the best in the business.

In 1996, Pakistan got knocked out in the quarter finals and I remember distinctly that most of the Pakistani supporters wanted Sri Lanka to lift the trophy. Srilanka played with a nothing to loose attitude. In doing so they managed to completely revolutionize one day cricket, with every other team going after the bowling in the first 15 overs. They won hearts because of their superior cricket, their innovative entertainment methods and their extremely sporting spirit, all of which culminated in them also winning the world cup.

The SriLankans are a gifted team, and no matter what the situation is they always have a fight in store with a perfectly competitive yet very sporting attitude. Unlike the Australians you will never find a Sri Lankan sledging. When was the last time Murali was spotted with a frown, or Jayasuria was seen cursing a player from the opposition? If cricket is still a gentleman’s game today, then there is only one team which deserves to be champions of this game. Go Sri Lanka.