Karunaratne dreams of emulating class of 96
May 28 (CRICKETNMORE) - As an eight-year-old boy tuning into Sri Lanka’s 1996 triumph on a pocket radio, Dimuth Karunaratne instantly learned the danger a cricket underdog can pose. Like most Sri La
May 28 (CRICKETNMORE) - As an eight-year-old boy tuning into Sri Lanka’s 1996 triumph on a pocket radio, Dimuth Karunaratne instantly learned the danger a cricket underdog can pose.
Like most Sri Lankans that ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup moment fuelled a lifelong dream for Karunaratne, a desire to relive the glory days and inspire a nation to recreate unforgettable moments.
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Twice runners-up, the Lions have yet to roar as loud as they did 23 years ago but their bid to set the world alight remains unchanged, the 2019 edition no exception.
But this time around they enter the arena with a guard that has most certainly changed four years on from the last World Cup.
Elder statesmen and Sri Lanka legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have since hung up the gloves, their retirements sorely felt with the bat and in the leadership department.
Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga remain but, with neither yielding success as captain, the inevitable change fell as preparations crested. Enter Karunaratne.
A surprise choice to some he may have been but with a smile on his face throughout his nation’s two warm-up games, the 31-year-old is determined to make the best of the job.
