Sri Lanka press for senior ranking and claims for full test status. Sri Lanka enhanced their claims for full Test status with a well-merited victory over India by 47 runs at Old Trafford in Group A of the World Cup 1979.
Sunil Wettimuny (67 off 120 balls) and Duleep Mendis (64 off 57 balls) scored brilliant half centuries, while India chased badly and all out 191 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 238/5.
Their 60-run defeat to Canada in the ICC Trophy final at Worcester three days later provided a fitting climax to a series of impressive performances that highlighted the attacking ability of their batsmen. They could afford the potentially expensive luxury of refusing to play Israel for political reasons and qualified for the semi-finals from Group Three by a faster run rate than the United States.
They ensured themselves a place in the Prudential Cup by defeating previously unbeaten Denmark, who unearthed a genuine fast bowler at 6 feet 4 inches. Ole Mortenson. However, even that strapping Scandinavian version of Dennis Lillee was powerless to stop some typically belligerent batting that set up a 208-run victory. Less predictable was Canada’s ability to earn the right to challenge England, Australia, and Pakistan in their prudential group.
They qualified for the semi-final only as best-placed runners-up in their group, but Bryan Mauricette, acting captain in the absence of injured Garnet Brisbane, steered them to a four-wicket win over Bermuda. Sri Lanka earned the rightful respect of the cricket purists, but Canada quickly became the delight of the popular press.
Left-arm medium-paced John Valentine, a 24-year-old French teacher from Montreal, emerged as one of the Prudential personalities. The son of an Anglican bishop, he developed the happy knack of dismissing illustrious openers. Majid Khan, Mike Brearley, and Rick Darling all fell to him. But while Canada could measure their impact in column inches of publicity, Sri Lanka had the satisfaction of earning Prudential points. Two came from the rained-off match against the West Indies at the Oval, and four came from their first World Cup victory over India.
The ICC final encapsulated the talent that thrust Sri Lanka into the world spotlight. They scored 324 for eight in 60 overs—the highest total in the associate member’s competition, which, despite the worst spring in the Midlands within memory, was a great success.
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