1999 ICC World Cup
Date: June 8
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Margin: India won by 47 runs
The stiffest test of an India-Pakistan cricket rivalry came against the background of the Kargil battle. Both the nations were in the throes of a war being fought in the rugged environments of Dras sector and Tololing ranges. It was almost given that the battle in the high grounds would find a face in the World Cup encounter between the two sides. The atmosphere was charged up and there were massive security arrangements to ward off any untoward incidents.
In such emotionally charged conditions India chose to bat first. Tendulkar's 45, Azhar's 59 and Dravid's 61 helped India set a target of 228 runs in front of Pakistan. Pakistan's reply was littered with wickets at regular intervals, five of which were bagged by Venkatesh Prasad.
When Wasim Akram's attempted hoick over midwicket landed into the hands of Kumble, India registered perhaps their most satisfying win over Pakistan in cricket. Unlike the first two India-Pak World Cup encounters the Manchester game did not see much friction between the players of the two teams. Perhaps any offense from their side would have sparked a major row in the stands. The match though was not without some blemish. Wisden Almanack reports 'three arrests, nine ejections, and one Indian flag burned during some scuffling at the close.'
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