'We will learn from 1996 World Cup-winning side' - Maheesh Theekshana ahead of ODI World Cup Qualifier

Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana says his side will take inspiration from the 1996 World Cup-winning team as they look to qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. The off-spinner was still four years away from being born when Arjuna Ranatunga led the Lions to victory in Lahore but is well-versed in the story of their victory. 

Sri Lanka must make it through the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe if they are to stand a chance of repeating the feat in India later this year and Theekshana believes it is time for a new generation to stand up. 

“No one thought Sri Lanka would win the World Cup in 1996,” Theekshana said. "So, it is an inspiration, particularly the way they played as a team. We need to get all of this to our generation as well. The way Ranatunga acted as captain, there are a lot of memories there for everyone.

“As a team, we have to do some things as they did in that period of time, but it's also new generation so we have to do things differently.  The way that cricket is going is so different, so I think it is our time to do our best and try and win the World Cup.”

Theekshana expressed disappointment at missing out on automatic progress to the main event, with Sri Lanka finishing two places and 17 points behind South Africa, who took the final qualification spot from the 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.

The Lions have since moved up to ninth in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings and enter the Qualifier as the highest-ranked side. 

They will face Ireland, Scotland and United Arab Emirates, teams they are unbeaten against, in the group stage. But it is Oman, whom Sri Lanka are yet to face in ODIs, who Theekshana believes poses the biggest challenge.

“We don't know much about them. It is not big pressure but there is pressure there because we don’t know about their strengths and weaknesses. We just have to bring our A game every time as we don’t know what to expect, so we have to focus on our own game,” he added.

The 22-year-old became the first men’s player born in the 21^st century to play for Sri Lanka when he made his debut against South Africa in September 2021, taking a wicket with his first ball as his side won by 78 runs.

Theekshana will look to continue his fruitful partnership with Wanindu Hasaranga when Group B action gets underway on 19 June.

“I have a good partner in Wanindu, we know that opposition teams see him as a world-class bowler,” Theekshana explained. “They sometimes try to defend him and try to get runs from me but then I have a chance to get wickets also. I think that is a plus point for the team and for me because I am always getting the chance to add pressure. I know that he will always keep it tight at the other end so it is easy for me to bowl with him, and it is good for the team when he is around.”

How they qualified  

The 1996 champions will have to come through the Qualifier for the first time in their history after finishing tenth in the 2020-2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League.  

Sri Lanka won seven matches from a possible 24 although that did include a series victory at home to South Africa.  

World Cup record  

Sri Lanka have appeared in every ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup but failed to reach the knockout stages in the first five editions of the tournament.  

The first time they did so came in 1996, when they went all the way, clinching victory in memorable fashion with victory over Australia. Since then, Sri Lanka have reached the final twice more, losing to Australia in 2007 and India four years later.  

One to watch  

No one has performed as consistently over the last 18 months as Pathum Nissanka, who has thrived since being promoted to open the innings. With seven 50s and a century since the start of 2022, the right-hander has provided the foundation for the Sri Lankan batting line-up time and again.  

When are they playing?  

Sri Lanka play their opening Group B match against the United Arab Emirates on June 19 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.  

After a four-day break, they then face Oman on June 23, before clashes with Ireland (June 25) and Scotland (June 27).