History(1996)

This was the sixth World Cup event (called Wills World Cup) and was held from from 16th February to 17th March 1996. It was the second World Cup to be hosted by Pakistan and India, for the first time by Sri Lanka. Twelve teams competed in the tournament that had 37 matches. The sixth world cup tournament began with a controversy, when Australia and West Indies refused to send their teams to Sri Lanka where LTTE triggered major attacks. The tournament has introduction of third umpire in front of the TV monitor that gives the final decision if the field umpire is confused on taking a decision of whether the player is out or not out. The third umpire gives the decision by repeatedly monitoring the TV display. Several players bid adieu to their profession after this tournament. Manoj Prabhakar of India Javed Miandad and Ramiz Raja of Pakistan, Robin Smith of England, Richie Richardson and Roger Harper of West Indies, Asanka Gurusinha of Sri Lanka, Dipak Patel of New Zealand, Andy Waller of Zimbabwe and Australian player Craig McDermott. Pakistan bowler Waqar Younis made his first World Cup appearance in this tournament. Indian bowler Anil Kumble took 15 wickets in the tournament and set the record for the top wicket-taker. Sachin Tendulkar scored 523 runs top break the record of top run scorer. These are some of the various records in the Cricket world Cup 1996. The final was played between Sri Lanka and Australia in Lahore, Pakistan. Australia made 241 runs in 50 overs for a loss of 7 wickets. In reply, Sri Lanka made 245 runs in 46.2 overs and won by 3 wickets. Scores: Australia 241/7 off 50 (MA Tayler 74) Sri Lanka 245/3 off 46.2 overs (PA De Silva 107). Sri Lanka won by 3 Wickets and The Wills World Cup was lifted by A. Ranatunga. Summary of 1996 World Cup Tournament formats - Round robin and Knockout Host - India, Pakistann and Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (1st title) Participants -12 Matches played - 37 Most runs - Sachin Tendulkar (523) Most wickets - Anil Kumble (15) Man of the Match: PA de Silva Player the series - Sanath Jayasuriya