00:00Relive the brilliance of Don Anura Siri's finest ODI performance, where he claimed 3
00:05for 40 engaged a strong Indian side in the first semi-final of the Australasia Cup in
00:101986, held in Sharjah.
00:13The left-arm spinner played a crucial role with the ball, removing three of India's
00:17key best men, Khirsari Khan, Kirti Azad, and legendary Kapil Dev.
00:22In a spell that brought Sri Lanka right back into the contest, although Sri Lanka eventually
00:27lost the match by three wickets, Don Anura Siri's impressive balling stood out as the highlight
00:32of the team's efforts.
00:33Let's take a look back at his memorable spell, where Don Anura Siri showcased control, temperament
00:40and the ability to deliver under pressure.
00:57But that concludes our most exhilarating innings, and I think you will find that Sri Lanka
01:03will get tremendous applause as he leaves.
01:08Yes, for a man who had this injury, I think he did exceptionally well for India.
01:13He stayed there and he made sure that the run rate never dropped.
01:16He played some glorious shots and he was really tempted by the very good delivery which floated
01:25and Sri Lanka was tempted, came out, missed the ball and there was no doubt whatsoever.
01:31Fine innings by Sri Lanka.
01:37That lovely regular clapping which you get in this part of the world, all synchronised nicely
01:44in time, means that they liked it.
01:53There it is, I think Srikanth, tempted by this very good delivery.
01:58Tossed up, Srikanth comes and misses it, and there's no doubt about that, and I think for
02:03a ball like that, even if Srikanth had to bat on one leg, I don't think he would have been
02:07tempted to stay in his craze and play it.
02:10Kirtiazad now going to face Anura Siri, and he's got one over left, he was taken off after
02:18Gavaskar gave him some harsh treatment.
02:23It's up in the air, and he's out of court, at cover, and what a sensational turnaround here.
02:34Three quick wickets, and a quiet descends now on this big crowd because, let's watch it again,
02:49Kirti not quite to the pitch of the ball, away from the body, and absolutely no mistake.
02:58Sri Lanka making a valiant effort to stay in the game.
03:03The ball was well-flighted, as Anura Siri always did, and Kirtiazad went for the big one,
03:09didn't get to the pitch of the ball, and went to Guru Singh at extra cover.
03:18That's up in the air, and he's going to be out court, and he is, at point.
03:26And Dias took that catch, and this time Kapil Dev not to the pitch of the ball,
03:33played away from his body, with an angle bat, and it went to point.
03:38Let's watch it again.
03:39Watch Kapil Dev angling his bat, and not quite getting on top of that.
03:48Don Anura Siri, born on 25th February 1966, in Panadora.
04:10Don Anura Siri carved out a cricketing journey defined by quiet preservance and solid performances.
04:17By left-arm orthodox spinner, Anura Siri represented Sri Lanka in 18 test matches and 45 One Day International,
04:24between 1986 and 1998, often drifting in and out of the national side, aimed intense competition
04:32and shifting team dynamics.
04:34Don Anura Siri made his test debut at the teenage of 20, playing against Pakistan in Colombo on
04:41March 14, 1986, although he bowled just four overs in that match.
04:46Anura Siri registered a stunning eight-wicket victory, marking a memorable beginning to his international career,
04:51where he never managed a five-wicket haul in test.
04:54Anura Siri value lay in his ability to consistently tie down past men, particularly on flat, unresponsive pitches.
05:02His most fruitful series came against Australia in 92-93, where he captured ten wickets and showcased his ability to trouble even the best past men.
05:12Tensions with the Sri Lankan cricket board in 1994 cast a shadow over his career, suggesting a premature end to his international aspirations.
05:22However, the resilient spinner made a commendable return in the 97-98 series against Zimbabwe.
05:28Teaming up with the legendary Mudhaya Murali Dharan, Don Anura Siri contributed with a figure of 3 for 65 and 1 for 41 in a victorious effort for Sri Lanka.
05:39After playing three more first-class matches, Don Anura Siri bid farewell to the game.
05:44Following his retirement, he continued to serve Sri Lankan cricket as a member of the National Selection Committee, helping shape the future of the sports he had served with quiet dedication.
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