There was time when an India-Sri Lanka encounter used to be a foregone conclusion, the former coming out on top on most of the occasions. ’96 changed that forever.

In the World Cup that the Islanders sensationally won, the Indians lost to Lanka two matches and a long-held edge. Thereafter, it has been a neck-and-neck affair with Lanka winning almost half of the 52 One-day Internationals against India that have produced results.

For Sri Lanka, it is a reminder of two individuals who took the world by storm then, and, ever since, have been the pillars of strength for Lankan cricket — Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya. For the Indian think-tank, though, it’s an added crease on their forehead as the two teams clash in the Asia Cup final at the National Stadium on Sunday.

In the last 12 years, the offie has taken 59 wickets, while the Matara Marauder has accumulated 2,132 runs against India, a fact that indicates as to who Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co need to be wary of. For the record, Jayasuriya has actually scored about 1000 runs more than Sachin Tendulkar in India-Sri Lanka ODI clashes these many years.

Even in the last match, when India defeated Sri Lanka chasing 308, Jayasuriya (43 off 37balls) gave his team a blazing start while Murali’s 2 for 44 was the most economical spell of the match. “It’s a team with a lot of experience,” said India coach Gary Kirsten, pointing out that the two players have, between themselves, 724 matches under their belts.

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