1996 Cricket World Cup: Sri Lanka's Pinch-Hitting Revolution

The 1996 Cricket World Cup — officially the Wills World Cup — was held in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's victory was one of cricket's greatest upsets and the tournament is remembered for the invention of modern aggressive ODI batting, a riot in the semi-final in Calcutta, and Australia and West Indies forfeiting their matches in Sri Lanka citing security concerns.

The Pinch-Hitting Revolution

Sri Lanka's revolutionary strategy was to send Sanath Jayasuriya — a powerful left-handed all-rounder — and Romesh Kaluwitharana to open the batting. Both attacked from the first ball, using the powerplay overs to score at over 10 runs per over before fielding restrictions ended. Jayasuriya scored hundreds in consecutive matches against Kenya and England in the preliminary rounds; his 82 off 44 balls in the quarter-final against England was the template for modern powerplay batting.

Semi-Final Controversy

Sri Lanka's semi-final against India at Eden Gardens descended into chaos. India needed 22 off 13 balls with 2 wickets left; Vinod Kambli was dismissed and the crowd rioted — throwing bottles and seats onto the field. With the ground unplayable, referee Clive Lloyd awarded the match to Sri Lanka by default. Kambli walked off in tears; the scenes were the lowest point of the 1996 tournament.

The Final

Sri Lanka faced Australia in the Lahore final. Arjuna Ranatunga — Sri Lanka's captain — won the toss and chose to bat; Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana fell cheaply, but Aravinda de Silva (107*) and Ranatunga steered them to 245/3. Chasing 242, Australia were bowled out for 241 — Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets with de Silva taking wickets and making runs in a match-winning all-round performance.