The 1996 Cricket World Cup is remembered for Sri Lanka’s historic victory, but the team’s opening match is often overlooked. Despite being widely ignored and not considered serious contenders, Sri Lanka had a performance in the group stages that signaled their intent to make a mark. On March 6, 1996, in Kandy, they faced Kenya in a match that would go down in history. Sri Lanka walked into the game with an unshakable confidence and set about dismantling Kenya with remarkable power.
What followed was an absolute onslaught, as Sri Lanka posted a mammoth 398 for 5 in 50 overs, setting a new record for the highest total in an ODI at the time. This record would stand for a full decade before South Africa surpassed it in 2006. At the heart of this incredible performance was Aravinda de Silva, who batted with sheer brilliance, scoring 145 off just 115 balls. His explosive innings led Sri Lanka to a total that seemed almost insurmountable.
This was not just a victory—it was a statement. With this dominant performance, Sri Lanka announced that they were serious contenders for the World Cup and ready to take on the world. They weren’t just aiming for a win in this match; they were laying down a marker for what was to come. The team, led by a sensational display from de Silva, showed that they were ready to challenge the established powers of world cricket.
Sri Lanka’s opening match against Kenya in the 1996 World Cup wasn’t just about setting a record—it was about changing perceptions and making a bold claim on the trophy. Their blistering performance made it clear: Sri Lanka was here to stay, and they were taking the World Cup with them.
