Colombo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with members of the 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan cricket team in a meeting on Saturday. He remarked that their historic victory had inspired a generation of sports enthusiasts.

Later on Saturday, he met with several players from the World Cup-winning team that famously triumphed over Australia, led by Mark Taylor, in the final played in Lahore. Sri Lanka had chased down a target of 242 runs, securing victory by seven wickets.

"Cricket connect! Delighted to interact with members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. This team captured the imagination of countless sports lovers!" wrote the PM on 'X'.

The members of the triumphant side, including Kumar Dharmasena, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana and Marvan Atapattu presented Modi with a memento on the occasion.

"In Colombo, PM @narendramodi interacted with the members of the 1996 Sri Lankan cricket team, which won the World Cup that year. Here are a few glimpses from their interaction," wrote the PM's official account while posting images of the interaction.

In the final played on March 17 at the Gaddafi Stadium, the Arjuna Ranatunga-led Sri Lanka chased down Australia's 241/7 for the loss of just three wickets with De Silva scoring an unbeaten 107.

Romesh Kaluwitharana, an explosive opening batter of his time, said after the meeting that India had always stood with Sri Lanka, especially during the crisis.

De Silva, the all-time great Sri Lankan batter, praised Modi, saying the Indian PM is well respected around the world.

Jayasuriya said the interaction with Modi was a great experience, and noted that the Indian PM spoke about his work since coming to power in 2014.

Former pacer Vaas said Modi had good cricketing knowledge and discussed with the players their 1996 World Cup campaign.

PTI