3. 1996 Cricket World Cup: Spectators became over-emotional on India’s disastrous semi-final performance
The Eden Gardens (Kolkata) semi-final of the 1996 Cricket World Cup is one of the most talking CWC games. Mohammad Azharuddin-led India faced unbeaten Sri Lanka in that semi-final.
After the home team India decided to field first, Sri Lanka managed to score 251/8 (50 overs) in the first innings. Chasing down that target, India was once batting on 98/1. But once the opener Sachin Tendulkar (65 runs) lost his wicket, Indian innings faced a big collapse. India suddenly moved to 120/8 (34.1 overs), and they were on the verge of a shocking defeat, but that game interrupted due to the massive crowd riot. Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli‘s crying moment while leaving that field was one of the saddest parts of that match.
Later, that match was awarded to Sri Lanka, and they qualified for the final.