Ranatunga who usually leads from the front on the field, took on the responsibility as batsman after his side lost Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva early, and he showed the way with a magnificent innings of his 131.
GOOD LOOK
From the time he arrived at the wicket he was the master. The sad scoreboard that stared at him on his arrival did not deter or worry him at all. He had a good look at the bowlers and once he got the measure of them, began to make them dance to his tune.
His innings was worth its weight in gold. It was cool, calm, collected and a lesson in how to demoralise an attack that at one stage looked on top. His timing was from out of this world and with some wristy and beefy strokeplay saw the ball speed to the boundary like a rocket.
With this innings he booked his team a berth in the final. Sri Lanka now have only to meet Bangladesh and that game should be a cake walk.
RESOUNDING CHEERS
When he reached the magical three-figure mark, the entire stadium of nearly 40 thousand spectators stood up to break into resounding cheers acknowledging that he was indeed the master. What delight Ranatunga showed when he reached his century.
In the morning when he won the toss he had read the wicket well and invited India to take strike. He saw to it that his bowlers bowled wicket to wicket which did not allow the batsmen any freedom.
It was apparent from the first ball that it was a slow wicket which was not going to be to the liking of the batsmen. And that is how it stayed as India struggled for runs losing three wickets early.
OLD FORM
It was then that the man despised by Indian cricket at one time Mohammed Azharuddin walked in to take strike. He showed that he has not lost any of his old form, flair for the game or the urge to make runs as he along with Rahul Dravid began to restore the innings.
Azharuddin in particular played sensibly and cleverly and with this innings of 81 not out enhanced his chances of regaining the captaincy that he has lost to Tendulkar.
It was his partnership of 117 with Dravid that took India to 227 which score at one time did not look possible.
The Sri Lankan bowlers and fielders again did their part to perfection and it was a memorable debut for the young and promising Lanka de Silva who kept two wickets competently holding on to a catch and cleverly stumping Jadeja. He also showed his ability as a batsman by helping his captain in a big stand that saw them through to victory.
COMPREHENSIVE VICTORY
When Sri Lanka batted and lost Jayasuriya and De Silva, it looked as though it would be a struggle. But then Ranatunga, Atapattu and De Silva had other ideas and finally saw their team to a comprehensive victory.
Ranatunga will certainly remember this innings for a long time to come.
Who said that he is not god's gift to the game?