The 1996 Cricket World Cup, generally often known as the Wills World Cup 1996, was the sixth version organized by the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC). India and Pakistan hosted the World Cup for the second time (that they had held the 1987 version), whereas Sri Lanka co-hosted for the primary time.

Sri Lanka gained the match after defeating Australia by 7 wickets within the remaining on March 17, 1996, on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan. Now, let’s delve into the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

The Construct-Up

Format

The 1996 World Cup featured 12 groups competing in a round-robin model, adopted by knockout rounds. The groups have been divided into two teams of six, with the highest 4 groups from every group continuing to the quarterfinals. Then the winners of the quarterfinals performed within the semi-finals, and two winners of the semi-finals clashed within the remaining.

Venues

17 venues from India hosted one World Cup match every, and 6 venues from Pakistan hosted 16 matches mixed. Whereas 3 venues from Sri Lanka have been allotted 4 matches, out of which solely 2 befell, Australia and the West Indies forfeited the opposite 2 matches as a consequence of safety causes.

Groups

The competitors included all Check-playing nations, together with Zimbabwe, which turned the ICC’s ninth full member following the final World Cup. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kenya, and the Netherlands have been the three affiliate groups to qualify via the 1994 ICC Trophy, and so they all made their World Cup debuts in 1996.

Groups that participated within the 1996 Cricket World Cup:

• Australia
• England 
• India 
• New Zealand 
• Pakistan
• South Africa
• Sri Lanka
• West Indies
• Zimbabwe
• Kenya
• United Arab Emirates
• Netherlands

Favourites

The previous champions, Pakistan, and the hosts, India, have been the favourites for this World Cup.

1996 World Cup Group Matches

Match 1: February 14 | England vs New Zealand

Batting first, New Zealand scored 239/6 because of Nathan Astle’s 101 runs. In response, England might solely handle to attain 228/9, and New Zealand gained by 11 runs.

Match 2: February 16 | South Africa vs UAE

After being requested to bat first, South Africa went on to attain an enormous whole of 321 runs, using on the again of Gary Kirsten’s unbeaten 188 runs. This was the highest particular person rating within the ODI World Cup at the moment. And that is the very best particular person rating by a South African batter in ODIs. Later, the Proteas restricted the UAE to 152/8, and South Africa registered a powerful win by 169 runs.

Match 3: February 16 | West Indies vs Zimbabwe

The West Indies’ bowling assault, led by Curtly Ambrose, restricted Zimbabwe’s rating to 151/9. Then the Windies batters chased down the goal within the thirtieth over with 6 wickets to spare.

Match 4: February 17 | Netherlands vs New Zealand

New Zealand elected to bat first and posted 307/8 in 50 overs. Barring just a few batters, nobody stood longer on the pitch for the Netherlands whereas chasing the goal, and New Zealand gained by 119 runs.

Match 5: February 17 | Sri Lanka vs Australia

Australia forfeited the match, and Sri Lanka gained by default.

Match 6: February 18 | India vs Kenya

Kenya, taking part in of their first World Cup match, managed to place an honest whole of 199 runs on the board. Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 127 helped India chase the goal within the forty first over and seal a 7-wicket victory.

Match 7: February 18 | England vs UAE

The UAE was bundled out for a mere 136 runs by England bowlers, with Neil Smith choosing up 3 wickets. The chase was moderately straightforward for the English aspect, as they gained by 8 wickets.

Match 8: February 20 | New Zealand vs South Africa

New Zealand determined to bat; nevertheless, the choice didn’t go effectively as they have been restricted to a complete of 177/9 by South Africa. Later, Proteas captain Hansie Cronje (78) took his aspect over the ropes, and South Africa gained by 5 wickets.

Match 9: February 21 | Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe

Alistair Campbell’s 75 and essential contributions from Man Whittall (35) and Craig Evans (39) took Zimbabwe to a decent whole. Whereas chasing the goal of 229, Sri Lanka misplaced a pair early wickets; nevertheless, their batters didn’t let the sport slip from their palms, and Sri Lanka gained by 6 wickets.

Match 10: February 21 | India vs West Indies

Manoj Prabhakar, Anil Kumble, and Javagal Srinath performed a key function in bowling out the Windies on 173 runs. In response, India misplaced fast wickets; nevertheless, middle-order batters steered India to a victory by 5 wickets.

Match 11: February 22 | England vs Netherlands

England gained the toss and determined to bat first. Graeme Hick’s unbeaten 104 and Graham Thorpe’s 89 resulted in England posting 279/4 on the board. Whereas chasing, the Netherlands misplaced 4 wickets beneath 100 runs; nevertheless, Klaas-Jan van Noortwijk’s partnership with Bas Zuiderent saved them within the sport. However ultimately, England gained the competition by 49 runs.

Match 12: February 23 | Australia vs Kenya

Brothers Mark Waugh (130) and Steve Waugh (82) contributed considerably to Australia’s whole rating of 304 runs. In response, Zimbabwe’s opener Kennedy Otieno (85) and captain Maurice Odumbe (50) fought arduous however fell quick by 97 runs.

Match 13: February 24 | Pakistan vs UAE 

Attributable to an interruption of rain, the match was lowered to 33 over a aspect. The UAE batted first and managed to attain 109 runs. The Pakistani high order chased down the goal convincingly within the 18th over and gained the match by 9 wickets.

Match 14: February 25 | England vs South Africa

The highest and middle-order batters made a big contribution to South Africa’s whole of 230 runs. Whereas defending the goal, South African bowlers didn’t give many possibilities to England batters to run away with the sport, and South Africa gained by 78 runs.

Match 15: February 25 | Sri Lanka vs West Indies

The West Indies forfeited the match, and Sri Lanka gained by default.

Match 17: February 26 | Pakistan vs Netherlands

The Netherlands’ high order failed miserably in entrance of the Pakistani bowling assault, however in some way Flavian Aponso’s 58 took them to 145/7 in 50 overs. Later, Pakistan chased to focus on within the thirty first over and gained the match by 8 wickets.

Match 16: February 27 | Kenya vs Zimbabwe

The Kenyan batting lineup tumbled to 134 runs whereas batting first. In response, Zimbabwe acquired off to an excellent begin, however Kenyan bowlers didn’t allow them to chase the goal simply by grabbing wickets within the center. Craig Evans and Heath Streak managed to attain the remaining runs, and Zimbabwe gained by 5 wickets.

Match 18: February 27 | New Zealand vs UAE

Roger Twose (92) and Craig Spearman (78) took New Zealand’s whole to 276 runs. In response, the UAE didn’t present a lot battle, and New Zealand convincingly gained by 109 runs.

Match 19: February 27 | India vs Australia

Australia’s Mark Waugh scored 126 runs earlier than getting run out, serving to his aspect put up a preventing whole of 258 on the scoreboard. Damien Fleming brought about enormous injury to the Indian batting lineup along with his 5-wicket haul, and Australia gained the sport by 16 runs.

Match 20: February 29 | Kenya vs West Indies

Kenya, taking part in towards a formidable West Indies, stunned everybody by defeating the 2-time world champions. After being requested to bat first, Kenya scored a meagre 166. It appeared just like the Windies would chase down the goal simply, however the Kenyan bowlers did the unthinkable and bowled out the Windies for 93, and so they gained by 73 runs.

Match 21: February 29 | Pakistan vs South Africa

After deciding to bat first, Pakistan posted 243 runs on the board, using on the again of Aamer Sohail’s 111 runs. South Africa appeared good all through the chase and triumphed the Pakistan by 5 wickets

Match 22: March 01 | Australia vs Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe gained the toss and determined to bat first. Nonetheless, solely Andy Waller (67) put up a battle towards the Australian bowling assault led by Shane Warne, and Zimbabwe was bowled out for 154. Through the chase, Australia didn’t face any main obstacles and gained the sport by eight wickets.

Match 23: March 01 | Netherlands vs UAE

Shaukat Dukanwala starred with the ball for the UAE, as his 5-wicket haul helped them prohibit the Netherlands to 216/9. Later, the UAE registered their first-ever ODI victory as they chased down the goal with 7 wickets in hand.

Match 24: March 02 | India vs Sri Lanka

Sachin Tendulkar’s 137 and captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s 72 took India’s whole to 271/3. Nonetheless, the rating was not sufficient because the Sri Lankan batters chased down the goal with 6 wickets in hand.

Match 25: March 03 | Pakistan vs England

Robin Smith and captain Mike Atherton’s strong opening partnership of 147 runs powered England to a complete of 249 runs. However the Pakistani high order additionally responded strongly, successful the match by 7 wickets.

Match 26: March 04 | Australia vs West Indies

After electing to bat first, Australia went on to attain 229 runs because of Ricky Ponting’s 102 runs. In response, Richie Richardson (93*) performed a captain’s knock and helped the West Indies win by 4 wickets.

Match 27: March 05 | South Africa vs Netherlands

Batting first, South Africa posted an enormous whole of 328 runs on the scoreboard. Whereas chasing the goal, the Netherlands might solely handle to achieve 168/8 in 50 overs, and South Africa registered a powerful victory by 160 runs.

Match 28: March 06 | Sri Lanka vs Kenya

Aravinda de Silva (145) and Asanka Gurusinha (84) helped Sri Lanka submit the then-highest rating in ODIs by a workforce. Sri Lanka posted a mammoth whole of 398/5 in 50 overs. Regardless of Steve Tikolo’s 96, Kenya might solely handle to attain 254/7, and Sri Lanka gained by 144 runs.

Match 29: March 06 | India vs Zimbabwe

After being invited to bat first, India managed to attain 247/5, because of Vinod Kambli’s 106 and Navjot Sidhu’s 80. India’s bowling assault, led by Venkatapathy Raju, rattled via Zimbabwe’s batting lineup, serving to India win by 40 runs.

Match 30: March 06 | Pakistan vs New Zealand

Apart from Javed Miandad, each Pakistani batter contributed to Pakistan’s whole of 281/5. In response, New Zealand batters did present some battle; nevertheless, they have been bowled out for 235 runs, and Pakistan gained the final group match by 46 runs.

Knockout Stage

1st Quarterfinal: March 09 | England vs Sri Lanka

England elected to bat first, however they might solely handle to attain 235 runs in 50 overs. In response, Sanath Jayasuriya’s quickfire 82 off 44 balls ensured Sri Lanka a victory by 5 wickets.

2nd Quarterfinal: March 09 | India vs Pakistan

Navjot Sidhu’s 93 and useful contributions from different batters powered India to an excellent whole of 287 runs. In reply, Pakistan acquired off to an excellent begin, however they saved shedding wickets after that, which resulted in India successful the match by 39 runs.

third Quarterfinal: March 11 | South Africa vs West Indies

The West Indies gained the toss and determined to bat first. Brian Lara (111) proved his captain’s choice right and helped his aspect attain a complete of 264/8 in 50 overs. His century was instrumental for the West Indies, as they defeated South Africa by 19 runs.

4th Quarterfinal: March 11 | Australia vs New Zealand

The trans-Tasman rivals, Australia and New Zealand, fiercely fought within the 4th quarterfinal. New Zealand posted 286 runs, using on the again of Chris Harris’ 130 and Lee Germon’s 89. Whereas chasing, Mark Waugh led from the entrance, with Steve Waugh and Stuart Regulation offering the ending touches. Australia defeated New Zealand by 6 wickets.

1st Semi-Last: March 13 | India vs Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka defeated India within the first semi-final at Eden Gardens in Calcutta in entrance of an unofficial viewers of 110,000. After shedding each openers rapidly, Sri Lanka launched a counter-attack led by Aravinda de Silva, scoring 251 for the lack of 8 wickets. India started their chase promisingly, however following Sachin Tendulkar’s departure, the Indian batting order collapsed.

Following India’s collapse to 120 for 8 within the thirty fifth over, components of the viewers started throwing fruit and plastic bottles onto the bottom. The gamers left the bottom for 20 minutes to attempt to calm the viewers.

Extra bottles have been hurled into the pitch, and fires have been began within the stands when the gamers returned to play. Clive Lloyd, the match referee, awarded the match to Sri Lanka, the primary default in a Check or ODI.

2nd Semi-Last: March 14 | Australia vs West Indies

Cricket historical past will all the time bear in mind Australia and the West Indies’ titanic matchup within the 1996 Cricket World Cup semi-final. This important match, which befell on the Punjab Cricket Affiliation Stadium in Mohali, pitted two cricketing behemoths towards each other.

Within the first innings, Australia scored a decent 207 runs after a top-order failure. Stuart Regulation (72) and Michael Bevan (69) supplied much-needed stability within the center.

In response, the West Indies made a fantastic begin however have been met with a formidable impediment within the type of Shane Warne’s miraculous deliveries. The sport neared a nail-biting end, with wickets falling and nervousness rising. Australia finally prevailed by a slim margin of 5 runs, sealing their spot within the championship’s remaining sport.

Last: March 17 | Australia vs Sri Lanka

On the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Australia and Sri Lanka confronted off within the 1996 Cricket World Cup remaining in a historic match. Sri Lanka made its first World Cup remaining look on this sport.

Sri Lanka gained the toss and elected to bowl first. Mark Taylor (74) and Ricky Ponting (45) put up a partnership of 101 runs for the second wicket. When Ponting and Taylor have been dismissed, Australia slipped from 137/1 to 170/5 as Sri Lanka’s vaunted four-pronged spin assault took its toll. Regardless of the dip, Australia managed to achieve 241/7 from 50 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka misplaced a few wickets early; nevertheless, Asanka Gurusinha (65) and Aravinda de Silva (107) stabilised their innings. After Gurusinha’s dismissal, de Silva partnered with captain Arjuna Ranatunga (47) to take residence the coveted trophy. It’s inconceivable to overstate the essential roles that Arjuna Ranatunga’s management and Aravinda de Silva’s (107 runs and three wickets) all-around expertise performed in Sri Lanka’s historic victory. 

Particular Moments within the World Cup of 1996

Hosts and the Controversy

The World Cup was held in three international locations: India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It was the primary time that Sri Lanka was internet hosting any World Cup matches.

Earlier than any video games have been performed, Australia and the West Indies refused to ship groups to Sri Lanka as a result of bombing of the Central Financial institution in Colombo by the Tamil Tigers in January 1996. Sri Lanka promised to supply optimum safety and in addition questioned the validity of citing safety issues when the ICC had declared it was protected.

The ICC then concluded that Sri Lanka can be awarded each video games on forfeit after extended talks. On account of this judgement, Sri Lanka certified for the match with out ever taking part in a World Cup sport.

You possibly can learn extra about this controversy right here.

Sri Lanka’s Journey to the Finals 

The Sri Lankan workforce superior to the quarterfinals with three victories and two forfeits. They finally performed of their first-ever ODI World Cup remaining, which additionally they gained beneath the management of Arjuna Ranatunga.

The Eden Backyard’s Debacle

By no means did offended followers begin a riot on the cricket stadium. Through the 1996 World Cup, which India co-hosted, India was a serious favorite. Sachin Tendulkar’s batting was essential to India’s triumph. They superior to the semi-finals, the place they confronted Sri Lanka in Calcutta’s Eden Gardens.

Regardless of not being thought of favourites earlier than the World Cup, Sri Lanka had an incredible match. Within the semi-final, Sri Lanka scored 251, which was above common. India, which was aiming to realize the goal, was at one time at 98/1. Sachin was in high kind and able to lead India to victory. Nonetheless, he misplaced his wicket after scoring 65 runs, and India fell from 98/1 to 120/8.

The mob was fed up with India’s fall. Because the outraged crowd erupted right into a riot, just a few stands have been set on fireplace. They threw plastic water bottles and beverage cans all through the playground. Due to the hazardous circumstances and participant security, the sport was correctly referred to as off, and the match was additionally awarded to Sri Lanka.

Kenya Shocked the West Indies in Pune 

Kenya made their World Cup debut in 1996, inflicting one of many match’s most stunning upsets. Batting first, the African nation solely managed to attain 166 runs. However what occurred subsequent had the viewers scratching their eyes.

Kenyan bowlers Rajab Ali, Martin Suji, and Maurice Odumbe stunned the West Indies batting lineup, which had luminaries resembling Richie Richardson, Brian Lara, and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Kenya worn out the West Indies for 93 runs, handing them a humiliating 73-run defeat.

Sri Lanka Gained the Last In opposition to All Odds

All through the 1996 World Cup, Sri Lanka had each luck and kind on their aspect. They obtained two walkovers as a consequence of Australia and the West Indies declining to play their matches within the nation. They superior on to the quarterfinals, the place Sanath Jayasuriya’s 44-ball 82 shattered the 236-run goal.

Then, as a consequence of rioting, they got the semi-final towards India in Kolkata, which they’d have gained regardless. Within the remaining in Lahore, Arjuna Ranatunga struck the successful runs to crown Sri Lanka as World Cup champions, capping off a outstanding run within the competitors.

Last Ideas

The 1996 Cricket World Cup had wonderful moments, passionate rivalries, and historic victories. It demonstrated the tenacity and dedication of groups resembling Sri Lanka, who emerged as shocking victors, in addition to the expertise and spirit of cricketers from all all over the world. The 1996 World Cup stays a chapter in cricket historical past that continues to enthral followers and fans, from Australia’s dominance within the group stage to the controversy-filled remaining.

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