I was a kid when i saw a totally under rated team emerged as a strong force in international cricket. To be specific it was 1996 which turned the cricketing fortunes of srilanka. Under the leadership of Ranatunga they lifted the world cup. They showed the world that not just expectations and hype it's just the sheer talent that matters. Many heroes emerged in srilankan cricket during this time.
It was from then srilankan team is a force to reckon with in international cricket. From then on, they ruled the cricketing world with some unbeatable performances creating many world records on the way. It looked as if they can never be beaten at any stage. People without second thought agree that 1996-98 was the golden period of Srilankan cricket.But the tables turned and the team which was considered one of the best in the world failed miserably in 1999 world cup.
The olden generation stars faded away from 1999 and here came the youth. The likes of Sanga, Mahela, Dilshan entered the scene along with old war houses Sanath, Murali, Atapattu. They moved the team forward while many came and went. It was the time of 2003 world cup where they performed well and lost in the semi-finals against Australia with weather conditions acting against them with sanga stranded helplessly in the middle. This made Sanath to resign as captain of Lankans. It was 2007 where in Gilly came to his best and again they lost in finals. This made Mahela to resign from his captaincy. Came 2011 and again they lost in finals against INDIA, this time dynamite Dhoni came in their way. This time Sanga resigned from captaincy.
Not only in major tournaments but in many mini tournaments luck smiled against them. From 1996 they have come a long way and they are a team blended with youth and experience. Everytime in the major and mini tournaments they lost their way at some time. This team always reminds of one thing talent alone is not enough to succeed and you need that extra bit of luck.
What if luck doesn't favour you? Heart breaking things that are happening for the Srilankan team do happen in your life. You always falter at the last hurdle.
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