1993: Ranatunga shines as SL level series after late Indian collapse (RPS)

Sri Lanka delivered a spirited performance to defeat India by eight runs in the second ODI at the Khettarama Stadium in Colombo on August 12, 1993, leveling the three-match series at 1–1.

Sent in to bat after India won the toss and elected to field, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 204 for seven in their 50 overs. Captain Arjuna Ranatunga anchored the innings with a fluent 50 off 52 balls, supported by Chandika Hathurusingha (38) and Hashan Tillakaratne (23).

A handy unbeaten 17 from Ruwan Kalpage pushed the total past the 200-mark, as Manoj Prabhakar and Rajesh Chauhan picked up two wickets each for India.

In response, India's chase revolved around a resilient 86 off 123 balls from Manoj Prabhakar and a fluent 62 off 89 deliveries from captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Their solid partnership propelled India to a commanding 152 for three, placing the visitors firmly on course for victory.

However, once Azharuddin and Prabhakar fell, Sri Lanka staged a remarkable fightback. The Indian middle order collapsed, losing their final seven wickets for just 44 runs to be bowled out for 196 in 49.2 overs.

Pramodya Wickramasinghe spearheaded the Sri Lankan bowling attack with figures of 3 for 34, while Sanath Jayasuriya and Ruwan Kalpage chipped in with two wickets apiece. Aravinda de Silva and debutant Muttiah Muralitharan claimed a wicket each—a historic milestone marking the start of Muralitharan’s legendary ODI career.

Ranatunga was named Player of the Match for his decisive half-century.

Aug 1993.