World Cup History: 3 players who have won the man of the match awards in both semi-final and final of a world cup

#2 Aravinda de Silva - Sri Lanka (1996)

Aravinda de Silva has redefined the way ODI cricket is to be played.

The seventh edition in 1996 was jointly hosted by three countries - India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. India was locking horns against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India had all its bases covered and looked a far more superior side on paper. India won the toss and elected to field first.

Their decision was vindicated as Sri Lanka was jolted early and the score read 1/2. Aravinda de Silva walked in at number four and counter-attacked from the word go. He used his feet brilliantly against the spinners and was very strong on his back foot against pacers. His impeccable 47-ball 66 gave a perfect impetus to the Sri Lankan total.

Chasing 252 for a place in the final, the Indians were in a disastrous position at 120/8. The match had to be called off due to the violent behavior of the crowd and Sri Lanka advanced to its maiden final of the World Cup. Though the match was remembered for all the wrong reasons, one shouldn't forget de Silva's heroics with bat.

de Silva with his aggressive and audacious strokeplay had redefined the way ODI cricket was played.

He held his nerve and accounted for three Australian wickets in the final. Chasing 242 for victory against the in-form Aussies, Sri Lanka were again rocked early as both the openers were dismissed cheaply.

De Silva again continued his rich vein of form and staged two brilliant partnerships with Asanka Gurusinge (125) and captain Arjuna Ranatunga (93). He stayed there till the end and scored a scintillating 107*.

De Silva's brilliant performance with both bat and ball earned him the man-of-the-match-award. That victory had certainly enhanced Sri Lanka's tryst with ICC competitions.