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The 1996 ICC World Cup, named the Wills World Cup, witnessed a plethora of innovations, including the participation of three host nations instead of the usual two. However, the event was also marred by the distressing specter of terrorism and political complications. Several teams refused to travel to Sri Lanka for their matches, citing security concerns. This element set this tournament apart from its predecessors, as cricket had not previously encountered the convergence of political turmoil and its ramifications, except for the Apartheid era in South Africa. India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka collectively hosted the tournament, and various influential cricket circles, including Australia, made attempts to influence the course of events. Yet, events aligned in a rather dramatic fashion for Sri Lanka.
During the period from February 14 to March 17, 1996, Australia and the West Indies declined to play in Sri Lanka due to a series of bomb explosions in Colombo, the capital city, in January of that year. Despite efforts to persuade them to reconsider, their stance remained unaltered.
Despite this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) remained steadfast in not rescheduling the matches, leading to Sri Lanka being awarded full points for both games due to walkovers. This outcome ultimately favored Sri Lanka in the longer run.
The tournament also marked a record participation of teams, with the nine Test-playing nations being joined by three associate members: Kenya, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Having secured four points from two forfeits, Sri Lanka virtually secured a spot in the quarter-finals even before taking the field. However, in their other matches, they continued to astonish their opponents.
Whether fueled by resentment at being dismissed by Australia and the West Indies or guided by the strategic brilliance of coach Dav Whatmore, Sri Lanka's performance reached new heights. The tactic of employing Sanath Jayasuriya and Romesh Kaluwitharana as aggressive openers yielded fruitful results.
Their first significant encounter was against Zimbabwe, which they emerged victorious from, followed by a match against India in New Delhi. Despite India posting a formidable total of 271/3 in 50 overs, anchored by Sachin Tendulkar's century (137 off 137 balls) and skipper Mohammad Azharuddin's unbeaten 72, Sri Lanka's game plan unfolded perfectly. Jayasuriya contributed a swift 79 off 76 balls, and Kaluwitharana added 26 off 16 deliveries. Asanka Gurusinha, captain Arjuna Ranatunga, and Hashan Tillekeratne wrapped up a significant triumph.
Sri Lanka then went on to defeat Kenya, securing their position atop the group standings.
Advancing to the quarter-finals was relatively straightforward in that year; teams needed only to win two matches. All sides managed to overcome the UAE and the Netherlands, leading to India and Sri Lanka progressing to the quarter-finals
In a showdown against Pakistan, India emerged victorious by 39 runs in Bangalore. Navjot Singh Sidhu's pivotal 93-run contribution, along with a collective team effort, enabled India to amass 287/8. Bowlers Venkatesh Prasad and Anil Kumble took three wickets each, restricting Pakistan to 248/9 in 49 overs.
Sri Lanka faced minimal resistance from England and advanced to the semi-finals, where they crossed paths with India at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Despite a questionable decision by skipper Azharuddin to field first on a deteriorating pitch, India initially made an impact, with Javagal Srinath dismissing Jayasuriya, Kaluwitharana, and Gurusinha in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka at just one run.
However, the irrepressible Aravinda de Silva, Roshan Mahanama, Ranatunga, and Tillekeratne rallied, with Chaminda Vaas contributing effectively as the visitors concluded their innings at 251/8.
India's innings faltered on the crumbling pitch, and although Tendulkar managed 65 runs, India found themselves struggling at 120/8.
Amidst the frustration of the Eden Gardens crowd, disturbances broke out in the stands, leading to a halt in the match. Subsequently, Sri Lanka claimed victory by default, with Vinod Kambli's tears upon departure poignantly reflecting India's disappointment.
Remarkably, the final pitted Sri Lanka against Australia, the team that had earlier snubbed them at the beginning of the tournament. The Sri Lankan team held onto their memories and ensured that Australia paid for their earlier decision.
Batting first at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, Australia managed to score 241/7, with contributions from Mark Taylor (74), Ricky Ponting (45), and Michael Bevan (36 not out). However, Sri Lankan spinners, especially Aravinda de Silva's off-spin, proved lethal.
Although Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana were dismissed early, De Silva shone with an unbeaten 107, while Gurusinha (65) and Ranatunga (47 not out) secured Sri Lanka's victory and their vengeance.
The Sri Lankans triumphed in a sensational manner, with their cause vindicated in one of the most riveting World Cups in history.
