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Four Australia v Sri Lanka World Cup classics

Ahead of Australia’s clash against Sri Lanka on Saturday, take a look back on some memorable World Cup matches between the two countries

BEST OF AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA AT WORLD CUP

SRI LANKA GET FAIRYTALE FINISH, 1996 FINAL

Just 14 years after gaining Test status, Sri Lanka changed the game en route to their maiden World Cup success in 1996. After hitting 7-241 from their 50 overs, Australia looked in the game when they removed revolutionary openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana before the score reached 25. But that was where it ended for the Aussies, with Asanka Gurusinha (65), Aravinda de Silva (107no) and Arjuna Ranatunga (47) taking Sri Lanka to glory. It remains their only World Cup victory over Australia.

Image Id: 990BF4DE13F540E7A2B7E12DEB224E05 Image Caption: Sri Lanka celebrate the 1996 World Cup title // Getty Images

GILCHRIST WALKS, 2003 SEMI-FINAL

Australia dominated the 2003 Cup but they found themselves in early trouble in the semi-final when Adam Gilchrist's wicket sparked a collapse of 3-17. Gilchrist edged one behind from Chaminda Vaas, and shocked the cricket world when he walked from the field despite not being given out. Andrew Symonds (91no) saved the day to help Australia to what was still a very gettable 7-212, before Brett Lee (3-35) and the rain stopped Sri Lanka at 7-123.

Image Id: 3281DEAF19B740ED94CBBC44F8EB0DCA Image Caption: Gilchrist walked against Sri Lanka in 2003 // Getty Images

GILCHRIST AND THE SQUASH BALL, 2007 FINAL

Adam Gilchrist was again the centre of controversy four years later in the final when he took the game away from Sri Lanka with 149 from just 104 balls. It was later revealed he wore a squash ball in his glove the entire innings to assist his grip, prompting complaints from critics. That wasn't the end of the drama after Australia hit 4-281 from their 38 overs in the rain-affected match. Darkness descended on the ground late in Sri Lanka's doomed chase, but the Aussies were incorrectly told they had to finish their overs with spinners or else return the next day and start the game again.

Image Id: E2E3CF693DD545379A3BC1E841326010 Image Caption: Gilchrist smashed a superb century against Sri Lanka in 2007 // Getty Images

GLENN MAXWELL'S BREAKTHROUGH, 2015 GROUPS

Glenn Maxwell hit the fastest ever one-day century for Australia as they and Sri Lanka combined for the highest-scoring World Cup game in history (688 runs). Maxwell's 51-ball hundred included 74 runs in boundaries as Australia whacked 200 runs in their last 18 overs to reach 9-376. Kumar Sangakkara then responded with his third straight ton for Sri Lanka to give them hope at 3-201, but when he was dismissed his team's hopes went with him as the Aussies continued on their winning ways.

Image Id: 075D69C645934BC9BA3F1206CE40A957 Image Caption: Maxwell was in great touch against Sri Lanka at the SCG in 2015 // Getty Images

2019 World Cup

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa

June 1: Australia beat Afghanistan by seven wickets

June 6: Australia beat West Indies by 15 runs

June 9: Australia lost to India by 36 runs

June 12: Australia beat Pakistan by 41 runs

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

Sync Australia's World Cup schedule to your calendar HERE

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE