Sporting legends : Aravinda De Silva : Sri Lankan batting icon & legend , Career HLs, video

 

Aravinda de Silva is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated cricketers and played a pivotal role in the rise of Sri Lankan cricket in the 1990s. Born on October 17, 1965, in Colombo, de Silva was a key architect behind Sri Lanka’s rise to global prominence, particularly their historic victory in the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup. Known for his elegance and aggressive batting style, de Silva was equally capable of providing crucial wickets with his off-spin and was a reliable fielder. His contributions on and off the field helped establish Sri Lanka as a cricketing powerhouse.

Style of Play

Batting:

Aravinda de Silva was known for his attacking and elegant style of batting. His ability to dominate fast bowlers and spin alike made him one of the most feared batsmen of his era. His technique was impeccable, and he had a wide range of shots, including the square cut and pull shot, which were his trademark. De Silva was a natural stroke player and was unafraid to take on bowlers in any conditions, whether at home or abroad. He could anchor an innings or accelerate when needed, making him a versatile and match-winning batsman.

Bowling:

While primarily known for his batting, de Silva was an effective part-time off-spinner who often broke partnerships. His off-breaks were useful in turning tracks, and he occasionally provided his team with crucial breakthroughs.

Fielding:

De Silva was an excellent slip fielder with sharp reflexes and a safe pair of hands. He was also reliable in the outfield, where his athleticism and throwing accuracy were key assets.

Records and Statistics

Test Career:

Matches: 93

Runs Scored: 6,361

Batting Average: 42.97

Centuries: 20

Highest Score: 267 (vs. New Zealand, 1991)

Wickets: 29

Best Bowling: 5/32

ODI Career:

Matches: 308

Runs Scored: 9,284

Batting Average: 34.90

Centuries: 11

Highest Score: 145

Wickets: 106

Best Bowling: 4/30

First-Class Career:

Matches: 236

Runs Scored: 15,940

Batting Average: 48.61

Wickets: 137

Career Highlights

1996 ICC World Cup Final: De Silva’s most iconic performance came during the 1996 World Cup final against Australia. He played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic win, scoring an unbeaten 107 and taking 3 wickets. His all-round performance was instrumental in Sri Lanka's triumph, and he was named the Player of the Match.

267 vs. New Zealand (1991): De Silva’s highest Test score came against New Zealand in 1991, where he scored a brilliant 267. His innings was a masterpiece of concentration and stroke play, demonstrating his ability to play long innings.

Back-to-back centuries against Pakistan (1995): In the 1995 Test series against Pakistan, de Silva scored back-to-back centuries, showcasing his ability to perform in challenging conditions and against a strong bowling attack.

1000+ Test Runs in 1997: In 1997, de Silva became the first Sri Lankan to score over 1,000 runs in a calendar year in Test cricket. His consistency and class were on full display throughout that year.

Bowling Contributions: While his bowling was not his primary skill, de Silva’s off-spin was effective, especially in home conditions. His 5/32 against Pakistan in 1996 was a testament to his ability to contribute with the ball when needed.

Great Batting Innings

1. 107 vs. Australia (1996 World Cup Final)*: This knock is perhaps the most important of de Silva’s career. In a pressure-filled World Cup final, he guided Sri Lanka to victory with a calm and calculated innings that saw him unbeaten on a superb  107after stepping in at 23/2 in a chase of 241 .  

2. 267 vs. New Zealand (1991): His highest Test score, a monumental innings that showcased his ability to dominate the opposition and bat for long periods.

3. 145 vs. Kenya (1996 World Cup): De Silva’s innings against Kenya in the 1996 World Cup group stage demonstrated his aggressive style of play as he dismantled the opposition with powerful strokes.

4. 138 vs. Pakistan (1997): A match-winning century during the Asian Test Championship, where he took on a strong Pakistan bowling attack and led his team to victory.

5. 123 vs. India (1997): Another masterclass against a quality Indian bowling attack, this innings was a part of a successful series for Sri Lanka in the subcontinent.

6  66 of 47 balls  vs India (1996 World Cup semi final ) : In a high voltage semi final vs India at a packed Eden Gardens in Kolkata , Aravinda DeSilva came out to bat with Lanka 0/2 ,having lost both their openers in the 1st over batting first . Aravinda came out and started playing imperious shots all around the ground , driving ,cutting, flicking, pulling with disdain as he launched a fierce assault on the Indian bowling with a great counter attacking innings that set up the Sri Lankan win . He went on to score a 100 in the final vs Australia and achieved the rare distinction of getting the player of the match award in both semis & finals of a world cup . 

Legacy

Aravinda de Silva’s legacy as one of the greatest Sri Lankan cricketers is undisputed. His contributions with both bat and ball were crucial in Sri Lanka’s emergence as a major force in international cricket during the 1990s. His performances in key moments, especially in the 1996 World Cup, made him a national hero and a global cricketing icon.

De Silva’s elegance, aggression, and consistency with the bat made him one of the finest batsmen of his era. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in big matches, earned him a reputation as one of the most dependable batsmen in world cricket. Beyond his personal achievements, his leadership and influence on the younger generation of Sri Lankan cricketers helped establish the foundation for future successes.

In addition to his on-field heroics, de Silva’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket continued after his playing days, as he served in various administrative roles, helping to shape the future of cricket in his country. His role in Sri Lanka’s rise to the top of the cricketing world, combined with his individual brilliance, cements his place as one of the legends of the game.

Watch Aravinda's superb  152 vs England in 1998 test . And in the 2nd video watch him hitting mighty sixes off Waqar Younus & Saqlain in a Sharjah ODI 100.