The IslandThat Plays

Chapter 01 · The beginnings

1832

1832: Where thestory begins

A game takes root on the island.

On 5 September 1832 the Colombo Journal carried a notice inviting gentlemen to form a cricket club — the earliest definite mention of cricket in Ceylon.

A club was formed in Colombo before the year was out, and early matches were played against British regiments stationed on the island.

Chapter 02 · The Test begins

1982

1982: A new chapter ininternational cricket

Sri Lanka steps onto the Test stage.

Sri Lanka became a Test-playing nation in 1981. Its first Test, against England, began at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on 17 February 1982, with Bandula Warnapura as captain.

England won by seven wickets, but Ranjan Madugalle (65) and Arjuna Ranatunga (54) had announced a new team on the world stage.

Chapter 03 · The world champions

1996

1996: The island believed.The world took notice.

Sri Lanka becomes world champion.

On 17 March 1996, in the World Cup final at Lahore, Australia set 242 to win. Sri Lanka chased it down with seven wickets in hand.

Aravinda de Silva took three wickets and made an unbeaten 107 — named player of the match on the night the island became champion of the world.

Chapter 04 · Champions again

2014

2014: Another momentof glory.

Champions of the world, again.

On 6 April 2014, in the World T20 final at Mirpur, Dhaka, India made 130 for 4. Sri Lanka reached the target with 13 balls to spare.

Kumar Sangakkara finished the chase unbeaten on 52 — a six-wicket win and the country's first T20 world title.

Chapter 05 · The game belongs to us

The gamenever stops.

From World Cup dreams to weekend matches.

The same game lives on in school nets, office leagues and Friday nights with friends at the indoor court down the road.

Every squad has a story. Every game starts somewhere.