Published: Jan 28, 2015, 02:24 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 29, 2015, 12:13 PM (IST)
It was a moment that changed the tournament and led to the cause of heartbreaks for the millions of Indian fans all around the world.
Patrick Eager captured the moment when Indian opener Sachin Tendulkar is captured waiting for the third umpire’s decision along with the Sri Lankan team.
The 1996 Cricket World Cup was hosted jointly by India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka were in top form and they comfortably beat England in the quarter-final to reach the semis, while India beat arch-rivals Pakistan in the full packed stadium in Bangalore to meet the island team.
In a group stage match, Sri Lanka had comfortable beaten India and now they faced each other in a packed Eden Gardens in Calcutta, in front of hundred thousand spectators.
India chose to field and riding on Aravinda de Silva’s and Roshan Mahanama’s fifties Sri Lanka put up a fighting 251. Chasing 252 from 50 overs, India lost Navjyot Singh Sidhu early in the innings but Sanjay Manjrekar provided steady support to Tendulkar. The demons in the wicket weren’t discovered till the time Tendulkar was there at the crease, he in middle of another brilliant knock and in the process had passed 500 runs in the tournament.
At 98 for one, India looked in course for the chase when Tendulkar, who lost his balance, was beautifully stumped by Romesh Kaluwitharana off the bowling of Sanath Jayasuriya. The third umpire was called and after a few replays, to the glee of the Lankans, the red light flashed.
Then began a remarkable collapse as India lost their next seven wickets for just 22 runs. From 98 for one, they were 120 for eight after 34 overs.
The furious Indian supporters had it enough and threw bottles on the outfield and set fire to the seats. Referee Clive Lloyd stopped the match for 15 minutes and then attempted a restart but the riots in the stand didn’t stop. The match was awarded to Sri Lanka by default. By most fans, Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin was termed the villain for electing to field after winning the toss. Effigies were burnt and on the other hand, Sri Lanka, who qualified to the final went on to win their first World Cup title.
