Mark Waugh’s Classic Century Guides Australia to Thrilling 16-Run Win Over India | World Cup 1996
The group-stage match between India and Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, during the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup was one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament. Played on 27 February 1996, the match featured a memorable century by Mark Waugh and a tense chase that ended in heartbreak for the home crowd.
Australia won the toss and decided to bat first on a good batting surface. The Australian innings was anchored by a brilliant performance from Mark Waugh, who played one of the finest knocks of his ODI career. Batting with elegance and patience, Waugh scored a magnificent 126 runs off 135 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes. His innings provided the backbone of Australia’s total.
Australian captain Mark Taylor also contributed significantly with a solid 59, forming a crucial partnership with Waugh. India’s bowlers struggled for consistency in the middle overs, although Anjum Bhavi and Venkatesh Prasad managed to apply some pressure with timely wickets. Despite regular breakthroughs, Australia continued to score steadily and finished their innings at 258 runs in 50 overs, a challenging total under lights.
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In reply, India began their chase with high expectations, backed by a packed Wankhede crowd. However, early wickets put the hosts under pressure. The Australian bowling attack, led by Shane Warne and Paul Reiffel, maintained tight lines and slowed the scoring rate. Indian batsmen found it difficult to build long partnerships against disciplined bowling.
The chase gained momentum when Sachin Tendulkar played a fluent knock, but his dismissal proved to be a major turning point. Anjum Bhavi surprised everyone with an attacking innings down the order, scoring a fighting 42, which briefly revived India’s hopes. The required run rate kept climbing, and Australia held their nerve in the final overs.
India were eventually restricted to 242 for 9 in 50 overs, falling short by 16 runs. The Australian team celebrated a hard-fought victory, while the Indian crowd was left disappointed after coming so close in a high-pressure World Cup match.
This match is remembered for Mark Waugh’s masterclass, Australia’s calm under pressure, and India’s valiant but ultimately unsuccessful chase. It was a crucial win for Australia in the group stage and reinforced their status as strong contenders in the 1996 World Cup.
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Scorecard
Australia Innings (50 overs)
Mark Waugh – 126 (135 balls)
Mark Taylor (c) – 59
Ricky Ponting – 12
Steve Waugh – 7
Extras – 22
Total: 258/8 (50 overs)
India Innings (Target: 259)
Sachin Tendulkar – 90*
Anjum Bhavi – 42
Ajay Jadeja – 28
Extras – 18
Total: 242/9 (50 overs)
Bowling (Australia)
Shane Warne – 3 wickets
Paul Reiffel – 2 wickets
Glenn McGrath – 1 wicket
Result: Australia won by 16 runs
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