20/08/2022
Throwback to 23 years ago on a day like this..
When recollecting Sri Lanka's golden cricketing moments, the Emirates cup 1998 is a moment which is often forgotten and not recollected. Further in Author's opinion this is the most beautiful and unique piece of silverware Sri Lanka has ever won.
Following a near invincible 96/97 season, Sri Lankan cricket was on a down hill phase in 1998. The stalwarts were moving into the twilight of their careers and it was showing on the field. Thus as Sri Lanka embarked on a tour of England for a one off test and a short Tri- Series involving the home team and an inform South Africa, nobody would have given them a chance.
Having lost to the host in their opening game at Lords, Sri Lanka roared back beating the South Africans aided by a power packed Sanath- Kalu partnership at the top of the order, complemented by a clinical bowling performance. This win enabled them to book a place in the finals
The final was a masterpiece. A packed crowd at Lords witnessed the brilliance of Murali, not for the last time though who picked up 5-34 bring England back to manageable territories after a promising opening stand. Marvan and Kalu anchored the chase with a 138 run second wicket stand following Sanath"s early dismissal. Sri Lanka romped home fuelled by Marvan's majestic 132 not out.
It was a short but memorable series in England, arguably the most scenic setting at that time. As Arjuna stood on the Lords balcony with undoubtedly one of the most beautiful silverware Sri Lanka has won it was another example of that Sri Lankan team pulling it off against the odds. Thus it remains one of the special moments in Lankan history, but nobody had the slightest of ideas what was in store in the one off test, not even Arjuna. Had he known what was in store, it would have been a much bigger smile on his face
(Sri Lanka would go on to annihilate England in the test match following this series which would go down in history as one of Sri Lanka's greatest wins, with Murali picking up 16 wickets)!!