India Vs Sri Lanka ODI Semi-Final 1996 Most Shameful Match

The India Vs Sri Lanka ODI Semi-Final 1996 was one of the most shameful matches. Why do I think so? Consider the following reasons:

1. All the commentators had commented before the match that the team winning the toss should bat first as the pitch was new and would crumble during the match.

2. All the newspapers had written before the match and on the match day that the team winning the toss would be batting first as the pitch was not going to last ( as was proved during the match).

3. Then why was it decided by Azhar to field first despite the fact that Sidhu was padded up to bat as pre decided ( and as was Sidhu’s habit)?

4. When Srinath had taken the first three Sri Lanka wickets ( 1,0,1) in the first few overs why was he given only 7 (seven) overs? Meanwhile a novice like Kapoor ( unknown commodity) was given 10 overs and Jadeja was given 5 overs (31 runs conceded) thereby allowing Sri Lanka to recover from a disastrous start.

5. Why was Srinath asked to come to bat at 4 (wickets) down (when there was a need to consolidate and no need for a pinch hitter); ahead of a seasoned player like Jadeja, who also threw away his wicket?!

6. Azhar, Jadeja and Mongia have since been given a life ban for match fixing as per CBI report !!!!

So who is right, Kambli or Azhar ?

We received this reader’s opinion after we published this article: http://sportingattitude.com/2011/11/18/1996-world-cup-semi-final-fixed-claims-vinod-kambli/

 

Disclaimer: The above article is the opinion of the author, and not that of SportingAttitude.

Category: Osama, Readers Opinion