Arjuna Ranatunga’s top 3 innings in ODI Cricket 

Arjuna Ranatunga’s career may be remembered for his great captaincy, but it cannot overshadow his batting prowess. The man who led Sri Lanka to their first and only World Cup triumph in 1996, was an iconic batter for his side over the years. Having represented his nation in 362 international matches, Ranatunga has amassed 12561 runs including four centuries each in Test and ODI cricket. 

In this article, we will look at Arjuna Ranatunga’s 3 best innings in ODI cricket:

1. 102 vs New Zealand at Colombo in 1998 

Sri Lanka claimed a massive 87-run win against New Zealand in the 9th match of the Singer-Akai Nidahas Trophy in 1998. After being asked to bat first, Lankan opener Romesh Kaluwitharana and Aravinda de Silva set the tone with half-centuries. A blistering 98-ball 102 from Ranatunga helped his side to post a competitive total of 293/4. The Black Caps could score just 206 runs in reply.

2. 102 * vs Pakistan at Gujranwala in 1995

After being asked to bat first in the 1st ODI of Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan in 1995, the former were struggling at 48/3. Ranatunga shared a crucial 137-run partnership with Asanka Gurusinha for the fourth wicket and pulled Sri Lanka out of danger. The southpaw scored 103 runs off 112 balls to help the team post a respectable score of 233/5. However, his efforts went in vain as Pakistan won the match by 9 wickets.

3. 131* vs India at Colombo in 1997

Chasing a target of 228 in the 1997 Asia Cup, Sri Lanka found themselves in trouble when India reduced them to 35/2 in the ninth over. However, Ranatunga, the captain of the side, steadied the ship with Marvan Atapattu (83), adding 175 runs for the third wicket. A controlled aggressive batting performance from the left-handed batter saw him score 131 runs off 152 balls including 17 fours. He was adjudged Player of the Match as Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets with 32 balls remaining. 

Also read: Top 3 fastest centuries in T20I Cricket by Indians