When a Test victory led to a nationwide celebration and a public holiday the following day? (06 Aug 2001)

As Sri Lanka awaited India's visit to their shores in August 1985, they were still without a Test victory. They had lost eight of the 12 Tests they had played since their first in 1982. Even though the Indians went to Sri Lanka quite unprepared since it was so early in the season, it was felt that they still had enough ammunition to get the better of Sri Lanka. However, the Indians received a clear warning signal when the home team came close to winning the first Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds in Colombo.

The second Test started two days later at the P Saravanamuttu stadium, also in Colombo. Sri Lanka led off with 385 and then dismissed India for 244. They consolidated their position by declaring the second innings at 206 for three. This left India to get 348 in 333 minutes and 20 mandatory overs with just over a day left. Even at this stage, a draw appeared the most likely result. But the Indians collapsed unaccountably and the Sri Lankans pulled off a historic 149-run victory for their first victory in 14 Tests. It was September 11, 1985 - a date linked indissolubly with everything historic about Sri Lankan cricket. The cricket crazy country, where the game is almost a religion, went wild with delight, there were nationwide celebrations and the government declared a public holiday the following day.

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