Dharmasena also played a similar role for Sri Lanka in the mid-nineties as he proved to be the perfect foil for Muttiah Muralitharan, by blocking one-end up with his tight flattish off-spin. Along with Sanath Jayasuriya, the pair were instrumental in the island nation's dramatic World Cup win, as they completely dried up the runs for the opposition batsmen on the dry sub-continent pitches during the middle overs, and run-making often seemed literally impossible.

Dharmasena, who shares his birthday with Sachin Tendulkar, did seem to make a huge guffaw with his first decision in international cricket, when he adjudged the master-batsman LBW. And it didn't take the critics too long to note that the off-spinner never managed to get Tendulkar out during his playing days.

It is unlikely that the genial duo of Reiffel or Dharmasena ever exchanged too many words when they played against each other, including during the '96 Cup final at Lahore. And it wouldn't be surprising if their interaction is limited to a few nods when they do eventually officiate together.