In March 1996 Sri Lanka pulled off one of the biggest shocks in cricket history by winning the World Cup.

Having been knocked out in the first round of four of the previous five World Cups, and finished eighth in the other, Sri Lanka were never taken seriously as an international side.

This is the story of how that changed, told by those involved. And how a proud island nation overcame bombings, boycotts and near-bankruptcy at the cricket board to reach the top of the world.

Photo: Sri Lanka fans celebrating (Getty Images)