Sri Lankan batting coach recalls memories of playing World Cup final in Lahore
“We had felt that we are playing final match in Sri Lanka”, he said
October 19, 2017
ABU DHABI: Sri Lankan batting coach Hashan Tillakaratne recalled his pleasant memories of playing the 1996 World Cup final at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“Oh Yes! We received overwhelming welcome in Pakistan when we reached Lahore after defeating India in semifinal of the world cup in Calcutta.”
Hashan Tillakaratne was talking with Geo News in Abu Dhabi about his memories in Pakistan as Sri Lankan player. He was part of the Sri Lankan cricket team that won the 1996 World Cup.
Tillakaratne said that the Sri Lankan team felt like they had been playing the final in their home ground.
Sri Lankan cricket team led by Arjuna Ranatunga clinched the World Cup in Lahore against Australia in front of Pakistani spectators who were supporting Sri Lanka.
“We had felt that we are playing final match in Sri Lanka”, he stated.
The current batting coach of Sri Lanka Hashan Tillakaratne also welcomed Sri Lanka Cricket Board’s decision to tour to Lahore for the scheduled 3rd T20 International later this month.
Tillakaratne said it was the SLC’s duty to come to the aid of Pakistan, who along with India had helped their country during the 1996 World Cup.
Sri Lankans were in quite a similar situation ahead of the 1996 World Cup when Australia and West Indies refused to tour Sri Lanka over security concerns.
