Watch: At Bombay during the 1996 World Cup, Mark Waugh deliberately bowled a wide to get a rampant Sachin Tendulkar out stumped, effectively changing the course of the match.
Australia were bowled out for 258 after opting to bat in the first-ever floodlit international match at the Wankhede Stadium. Mark Waugh (126) added 103 for the opening stand with captain Mark Taylor (59).
They were even 232-3 at one point before collapsing, eventually losing their last four wickets in the final over of the innings. There were five run outs in the innings.
In response, Damien Fleming (5-36) reduced India to 7-2 before Tendulkar launched a furious counterattack. He cut loose against Glenn McGrath, and added 63 for the third wicket with captain Mohammad Azharuddin, who made only 10.
The match was hyped up as a duel between Shane Warne and Tendulkar. Warne bowled beautifully for his 10-1-28-1 as Tendulkar decided to attack the bowlers at the other end. At 142-3, India were perhaps slightly ahead, with Tendulkar and Sanjay Manjrekar in firm control.
An injury had forced Waugh to abandon medium-pace for off-breaks early in his career. Now, at this point, Taylor entrusted him with the job of bowling to a dangerous Tendulkar on his home ground.
Waugh, noticing Tendulkar’s tendency to step out, deliberately bowled a fast wide – a practice that has become common over the years, but was not as much in vogue a quarter of a century ago. The ball was far enough outside off to elude Tendulkar’s reach.
Ian Healy, perhaps in the knowing, had positioned himself in line. He now whipped off the bails, and Tendulkar walked back for an 84-ball 90, with 12 fours and a six. Manjrekar (62) and Nayan Mongia (27) took India to 201-5, but India were eventually bowled out for 242.
Waugh finished with figures of 10-0-44-1. His hundred won him the Player of the Match award.
