In a rare crossover of sporting disciplines, International Rugby Stars locked horns with Sri Lankan Cricket Legends in an exhibition T20 match played at Thurstan Grounds, Colombo. While the rugby players brought their physical prowess and competitive spirit, it was the masterful batting of the cricket legends that ultimately prevailed, securing a comprehensive 49-run victory in a scintillating and friendly affair.
More than just a display of athletic crossover, the match was a heartfelt fundraising initiative for the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF). As the first and only organization in Sri Lanka dedicated to advocating for and addressing the needs of those diagnosed with cognitive impairment and dementia, LAF provided a noble backdrop to an evening filled with nostalgia and entertainment. Fans were treated to the surreal sight of titans from Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning squad sharing the field with giants of the global rugby arena.
Sri Lankan Legends: Arjuna Ranathunga (Captain), Aravinda De Silva, Roshan Mahanama, Mahela Jayawardhane, Romesh kaluwitharana, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, Hashan Thilakaratne, Dammika Prasad, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Ajantha Mendis, Hemantha Wickramarathne, Pramodya Wickramasinghe.
International Rugby Legends: David Campese (Captain), Henry Pollock, Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, Alex Coles, George Hendy, Phil Dawson, Sam Vesty, Will Genia, Ed Quirk, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Waisea Nayacalevu, Jamie Henry, Fazil Marija
Due to early showers, the clash of the titans was reduced to a fast-paced 12-over affair. Winning the toss, Sri Lankan Legends skipper and 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga opted to bat first. The innings kicked off with a burst of nostalgia as the explosive Romesh Kaluwitharana opened alongside the elegant maestro, Mahela Jayawardene.
The rugby stars started with enthusiasm, though England and Northampton Saints star Alex Coles began with a wayward delivery. However, the rugby players quickly found their footing with the ball. Henry Pollock made an immediate impact by removing Kaluwitharana with a well-directed bouncer. In the very next over, Alex Coles made amends for his earlier waywardness, delivering an absolute peach of a ball to send the hero of the 1996 final, Aravinda de Silva, back to the pavilion.
At 17 for 2, the cricket legends were in unfamiliar early trouble. However, the calmness of Jayawardene and the grit of Hemantha Wickramarathne took over. The duo began the repair work, with Jayawardene launching a brutal assault on Phil Dawson during the fifth over, accumulating 20 runs in a single over. They gradually rebuilt the innings with a valuable half-century stand.
Wickramarathne and Jayawardene accelerated the scoring in the latter stages, pushing the score to a formidable 139 for 4. Jayawardene fell just before the end for a magnificent 51, but only after former Sri Lankan Rugby captain Fazil Marija took a stunning catch off the bowling of Tommy Freeman.
Chasing 140 in 12 overs was always going to be a mountain to climb for the International Rugby Stars, and the task got harder when Sri Lanka’s all-time greatest orthodox seam bowler, Chaminda Vaas, opened the bowling. Fijian-born powerhouse Taqele Naiyaravoro and George Hendy started the chase with intent, but Hendy’s cameo of 18 runs was cut short by a catch from Aravinda de Silva off the bowling of Ravindra Pushpakumara.
The second wicket provided a moment of pure cinematic nostalgia. Reminding fans of his days as the fastest-reacting wicket-keeper in the late 1990s, Kaluwitharana broke the stumps in a flash to stumped out the gigantic Fijian who attempted for a huge heave.
Perhaps the most magical moment of the evening occurred when 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga was handed the ball to bowl to 1991 Rugby World Cup-winning captain David Campese of Australia. It was a collision of two distinct sporting legacies that drew cheers from the crowd.
The rugby side continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Fazil Marija, attempting a huge hit over long-on against Malinga Bandara, was safely caught by the mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis. Sri Lankan fielding coach Upul Chandana then put on a masterclass, pulling off a magnificent diving catch that harked back to the golden era when Sri Lankan fielding was considered among the best in international cricket.
During the dying stages of the game, emerging Colts CC cricketer Shyamsunder Krishnashriram was introduced into the attack and neatly picked up a couple of wickets to hinder the progress of the innings. The International Rugby Stars could only manage 90 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, handing the Sri Lankan Legends a comprehensive 49-run victory.
For his match-winning, fluent half-century, Mahela Jayawardene was deservingly adjudged the Player of the Match. As the crowds dispersed into the Colombo evening, they carried with them cherished memories of the great Sri Lankan sides that conquered the world in the late 90s, flavored perfectly by the camaraderie and spirit of the International Rugby Stars, all for a deeply worthy cause.
Scorecard in Brief
Sri Lankan Legends – 139/4 (12 Overs)
Mahela Jayawardhane 51(27), Hemantha Wickramarathne 39 (22), Upul Chandana 16 (8)
Genia 2-7, Pollock 14/1, Coles 09/01
International Rugby Stars – 90/8 (12 Overs)
Mitchell 24 (16), Alex Coles 19 (6), George Hendy 18 (14)
Krishnashriram 13/2, De Silva 03/1, Ranathunga 05/1
Sri Lankan Legends won by 49 runs
1991 Rugby World Cup winning captain David Campese (In the middle) was flanked by the captain and the vice captain of 1996 Cricket World Cup Winning Sri lankan team.
