Victories in world cups are always special, especially when it comes after some real performances. One such victory was in 1999 world cup against the defending champion Sri Lanka when India was desperate to win to keep its hopes alive for super six round. India was in a tough group with two gaints South Africa and Sri Lanka and host England as well. India did not start well as they lost first two matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe and now, it was a do or die situation for team India as India needed to win all of their remaining three matches to seal their position in super six round.
Return of Sachin after his father’s demise was a boost up for India and India crushed Keneya. Sachin and Dravid played some classy inning and India were all set to face the defending champions. Well the memories of 1996 world cup semi-final at Eden Garden was still in mind. Perhaps the saddest day in Indian cricket. but it was time to avenge that. Sri Lanka won the toss, chose to bowl first and two prominent batsman of Indian batting line-up joined their hands to complete the task after the early fall of Sadgopan Ramesh. Well no one could have imagined what was going to happen with Sri Lanka for next 45 overs.
Rahul Dravid was in his prime form and was desperate to show his class after his last century in previous match was over shadowed by the master class inning of master-blaster. But this time he was in no mood to get over shadowed. He started aggressive. Yes,Dravid known for his slow batting, actually considered “misfit” for ODI games started aggressive. But even aggressive Dravid did not forget his class, almost like a “mithichhuri” the sweet dagger. Saurav Ganguly, at the other end, played a role of anchor-man. Quite surprising, Dravid attacking and Dada defending but that is how it started. When Dravid was attacking the “ruthless” Vaas and UpaShantha, Dada was silently rotating strike.
Both the batsmen completed their half-century and then century. Sri- lanka was desperate for wickets, in fact missed few opportunities. Once Dada was lucky as he was out of the crease while running a second run but saved by third Umpire as bells did not go off properly. But as it is said, “luck also favours the brave”. It was the day of witnessing some new world records.
Dravid was aggressive from starting, but once Dada reached to his century, Sri Lankan realised why there was a grace in Dravid’s aggressive batting. Dada had missed one century already in first match against SA when he got out on 97 but this time, he created havoc in Taunton. He left no one. Even top-class spinner Murali faced the wrath of “prince of Kolkata”. He started delivering those famous long and lofted sixes in the stand. Very soon commentators realised, there was no stand left where Dada did not send those sky-creepers.
Together these two batsmen destroyed every Sri Lankan hopes to retain their trophy. Dravid and Dada stitched a world record partnership of 318 runs in 45 overs. Dada was the highest scorer in world cup, surpassing the 175 of legendry Kapil Paji in 1983 world cup against Zimbabwe. Even in world cup, only African batsman and Indian coach during 2011 world cup victory, Garry Kirsten had more, 188 runs that he scored in 1996 world cup against UAE. Eventually Dravid got run-out at 145 but not before taking India to an almost unbeatable position. But Dada was stilling breathing fire. He completed his hundred in 119 balls but next 83 runs he scored in just 39 balls. Every next batsman, including Sachin Tendulkar, played like some tail-enders and sacrificed their wickets. Dada went for a humongous 183 runs in 158 balls, taking India to 372 runs.
373 was an almost unreachable and actually Sri Lanka never recovered after that destruction. Aravinda de silva and ArjunaRanatunga did their best to minimise the difference but still India managed an absolute pumping victory by 157 runs. Robin Singh took 5 wickets for 31 runs. 7 Sri Lankan batsmen failed to reach into double figures.
Later India managed to reach super six round but failed to reach semis after two defeats against Australia and New Zealand. But in between they managed to maintain their winning record against their arch rival Pakistan.Rahul Dravid ended up as the most successful batman in 1999 world cup with 461 runs in 8 matches eventually sealed his no.3 spot in Indian ODI line-up too.