Here is a glimpse at Sri Lanka’s three highest run scorers at the continental competition, who played an integral part in their success.
131* –Arjuna Ranatunga vs India at Colombo in 1997
Arjuna Ranatunga’s great performance came on July 18, 1997, when Sri Lanka required a victory over India by 228 runs in order to win the match. India was considered one of the top ODI teams at the time. Notably, Arjuna Ranatunga, who was batting at position four, hit the Indian bowlers for 17 fours while they were chasing. The game kicked off at that moment in a big way. He scored 131 runs with an 86.18 strike rate on 152 balls. After his outstanding performance, Sri Lanka reached the finish line with 32 spare balls. Later, the outstanding batter was honoured with the Player of the Match award.
130 –Sanath Jayasuriya vs India at Colombo in 2004
This game is regarded as one of the best in Asia Cup history. Notably, on July 27, 2004, the Indian skipper decided to bat over the host side after winning the toss in this match. India was able to post a decent 271 for six owing to a solid innings from captain Ganguly (79). Ganguly led a brilliant 134-run second-wicket stand with Sehwag and a fruitful 71-run partnership with Yuvraj, who scored a quick-fire 50 off just 46 balls. However, despite Jayasuriya’s valiant century, Sri Lanka could only score 267 for nine, falling short of the target. During this match, the legendary batter smashed 130 runs from 132 balls, featuring 13 fours and one six. Although this knock went in vain, India defeated the home team and entered the final of the Asia Cup in 2004.
130 –Sanath Jayasuriya vs Bangladesh at Karachi in 2008
On June 30, 2008, Sri Lanka won the toss and invited Bangladesh to field first. They trounced Bangladesh in a super league match of the ninth Asia Cup one-day competition at the National Stadium in Karachi after opting to bat first and amassing 332 for eight off their 50 overs. Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya, two renowned batters, scored 112 and 130 runs, respectively, which resulted in a remarkable total. While Bangladesh was chasing, they were all wiped out for 174 runs in 38.4 overs, handing the Lankans a convincing lead.