The 1996 Wills World Cup semi-final at the Eden Gardens will always be remembered—in negative aspects. The high-octane knockout affair saw India take on Sri Lanka at the Eden Gardens on March 13. Never before had the Kolkata-based location held an ODI World Cup semi-final.
A scene of mayhem rapidly emerged from what was supposed to be an exciting competition between two major cricketing countries. The day when a fierce exhibition of fan agitation dominated, causing the global match to be called off because of stand difficulties.
The semi-final match was obviously eagerly expected. Competing on home ground, India bore all the expectations of the whole country. The Men in Blue were captained by Mohammad Azharuddin; Sri Lanka’s team received Arjuna Ranatunga’s leadership. In Kolkata, a group of approximately one hundred ten thousand people gathered to urge India into the final.
The Eden Gardens, a historic cricket venue, was crowded with eager fans on this day. Every boundary and wicket lifted their expectations all the more. Soon before India stood at the brink of failure, bottles started falling upon the road. The stands being ablaze only made things worse.
Winning the toss, the team led by Mohammad Azharuddin elected to field first. Sri Lanka’s 35/3 lowered when brought up a murmur of enthusiasm that soon grew into a roar.
Among the top hitters returned to the pavilion were Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana, and Asanka Gurusinha. Ranatunga’s side finally saved the innings behind a powerful performance in the middle over. Sri Lanka got 251/8 because Aravinda de Silva and Roshan Mahanama each scored half-centuries.
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The chase started well for India in the second innings. India made 98 runs off one wicket thanks to the genius of Sachin Tendulkar. A sharp collapse followed the innings advance.
Mohammad Azharuddin, Sanjay Manjrekar and Tendulkar were let fly away. The unexpected loss of wickets started a surge of despondency among the home audience.
The stadium was full of hope overall, but then it turned into irritability. As numerous projectiles landed onto the ground, the downward road was fast. The grisly sight of smoking chairs turned a surreal but disturbing scene.
As the players’ lives were in danger, match referee Clive Lloyd had no other possible solution but to abandon the match. India finished the innings at 120/8; he gave Sri Lanka the win.
The episode seriously humiliated the Cricket Association of Bengal as well as the BCCI. Several discussions about the duties of sports fans followed from the aftermath—quite a national introspection phase.
